Apple Names ‘Connection’ as App Store ‘Trend Of The Year’

Apple has announced the winners of the annual ‘App Store Awards’, which recognises the most popular apps and games across its different hardware products.

The technology giant also named its ‘Trend Of The Year’ to identify a movement that had a lasting impact on people’s lives. This year the winner was ‘Connection’, for the way people were brought together in a variety of unique and meaningful ways.

Five standout apps and games that summarised the trend were named, which included Bumble and Peanut.

The Apple editors explained: “Bumble met the moment by adding and enhancing features designed to bridge the gap for users hoping to date, forge platonic friendships, and broaden their professional networks — all while fostering women-powered conversations.”

Peanut was included for the new community features it released, such as the audio section that hosts live conversations with experts on a number of women’s issues and topics.

Multiplayer game ‘Among Us’, design software ‘Canva’ and Black-owned eatery directory ‘EatOkra’ were the other three apps named in the ‘Connection’ section.

‘Toca Life World’ was the overall ‘iPhone App Of The Year’. The app is for children over the age of four to play games with each other, while also teaching them about the art of self-expression and to recognise their emotions.

Apple is still facing a lot of pressure from developers and regulators over the way it receives mandatory commissions and the alleged monopoly it holds over the industry.

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