The year 2026 was marked by significant shifts in the app landscape, driven by both technological advancements and regulatory changes. As we reflect on the best apps of the year, it's clear that innovation is coming from a variety of sources, including new Apple APIs, Liquid Glass design language, and AI services like Apple Intelligence.
The result has been a surge in app development, with many creators leveraging these tools to build unique and engaging experiences for users. But which apps stood out as the best of the year? This article will explore the winners of the 2026 MacStories Selects Awards, honoring the top apps in six categories: Best New App, Best New Feature, Best Watch App, Best Mac App, Best Design, and App of the Year.
Best New App
Our first winner is Quick Reviews, a simple yet powerful app for movie lovers. Developed by Matt Birchler, this utility allows users to create shareable images of movies they've watched, complete with ratings and reviews. The web app has been revamped into a native iOS version that integrates with popular platforms like Letterboxd. With its intuitive design and seamless integration, Quick Reviews is a joy to use and our top pick for Best New App.
Best New Feature
Wispr Flow, a dictation app that leverages LLMs (Large Language Models) under the hood, has revolutionized the way we communicate on iOS. This custom keyboard allows users to send long messages with ease, using AI-powered dictation that's leagues ahead of Apple's default keyboard. With its ability to learn from user input and support multiple languages, Wispr Flow is a game-changer for anyone looking to streamline their messaging experience.
Best Watch App
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Best Mac App
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Best Design
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Readers' Choice Award
The readers' choice award goes to [insert winner's name], a testament to the power of community-driven nominations.
Lifetime Achievement Award
This year's Lifetime Achievement Award winner is [insert winner's name], a pioneer in the app development space who has made significant contributions to the industry.
And finally, we'd like to acknowledge the App of the Year, which is [insert winner's name].
Read the full article and listen to our special episode of AppStories to learn more about these award-winning apps.