The end of the year brings forth a familiar tradition in the tech space—Apple and Google announcing their selections for the best apps and games of the year. However, in 2023, a noteworthy trend emerged: neither tech giant opted for any AI applications, even as AI continues to transform the industry. Instead, Apple chose AllTrails as its iPhone App of the Year, while Google’s top pick was the educational tool Imprint: Learn Visually. What can we glean from these selections and the changing narrative around app development this year?

The Changing Landscape of App Recognition

Year-end accolades often reflect not just the popularity of apps but also the evolving ethos of their respective platforms. Both Apple and Google selected applications that stand the test of time rather than those simply riding the wave of the latest technological fads. AllTrails, known for its hiking and biking support, has been a long-standing staple among outdoor enthusiasts. Similarly, Imprint exemplifies a commitment to education, utilizing visual methods to enhance learning experiences.

• AllTrails: This app empowers users to explore the great outdoors, showcasing well-documented trails across the globe while also promoting the importance of nature in our lives.
• Imprint: It’s reshaping the way users engage with educational content, making learning more accessible and visually stimulating.

AI’s Absence in Awards— A Deliberate Choice?

Despite the tremendous success of AI-focused applications, such as ChatGPT, which remarkably became the fastest-growing consumer app ever by reaching 100 million users shortly after its launch, both Apple and Google consciously opted to exclude AI from their main categories. This decision stood out given AI’s growing impact across industries and its increasing integration into daily user experiences.

Interestingly, Apple designated generative AI as the “Trend of the Year” while cleverly steering away from acknowledging specific AI apps as winners. This reflects a shift towards honoring well-established and designed applications while perhaps signaling apprehension about AI’s cultural significance and implications.

Highlighting Other Innovations

The year 2023 has been characterized by the rise of applications with a clear blend of quality and purpose. From Apple’s selection of well-crafted applications for various devices to Google’s focus on “multi-device” functionality, these platforms have shown how versatile the modern app ecosystem has become. For instance:

• Prêt-à-Makeup: Acknowledged as iPad App of the Year, it harmonizes user needs with functionality.
• Spotify grabbing the title of best multi-device app shows how essential cross-platform compatibility is becoming in user experience.

Moreover, the nomination of games like Honkai: Star Rail as Game of the Year, which both platforms endorsed, reflects a consensus on the quality and engagement levels that modern gaming apps are reaching.

Conclusion: The Future of App Awards

The choices made by Apple and Google this year reveal a potential shift in focus that prizes established usability and user-centric design over the allure of new technology. While AI continues to evolve and permeate various aspects of tech, the call for apps like AllTrails and Imprint as frontrunners speaks volumes about the underlying values of these platforms. It remains to be seen whether 2024 will bring AI applications into the spotlight or if they will remain on the periphery of recognition—only time will tell.

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations. For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.