Apple and Google have unveiled their top apps and games for the year 2023, offering insights into the state of app marketplaces and reflecting on consumer trends. AllTrails claimed Apple's prestigious iPhone App of the Year, recognized for its hiking and biking features, while Google Play's best app title went to Imprint: Learn Visually, an educational app. The coveted Game of the Year honor was bestowed upon Honkai: Star Rail by both Apple and Google.
In a surprising departure from the norm, Apple's selections diverged from highlighting new or technologically innovative apps. Instead, they recognized well-established and excellently designed apps such as Duolingo and Flighty alongside the winner, AllTrails. This shift contrasts with previous years when Apple spotlighted breakout hits like BeReal in 2022 and the popular children's app Toca Life World in the preceding year.
Notably, neither Apple nor Google chose an AI app as their app of the year, despite the remarkable success of ChatGPT's mobile app and others in the AI landscape. This decision is intriguing, especially considering ChatGPT's status as the fastest-growing consumer application, reaching 100 million users shortly after its launch. This record was later surpassed by Instagram Threads, which achieved 100 million users within just five days. However, it's essential to note that Threads' initial count included sign-ups, not monthly active users, making comparisons complex. Additionally, ChatGPT's ascent to 100 million users included its web app, adding another layer to the comparison.
While both ChatGPT and Threads would be worthy of the app of the year title, Apple and Google opted for different top winners. Despite many other AI apps generating substantial revenue, the deliberate omission of the AI category in the app of the year selection suggests a strategic choice on Apple's part.
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