Google and Apple Highlight 2025 Top Apps and Games

Google Play and Apple have highlighted top apps and games of 2025 through their annual awards programs, recognizing innovation in mobile experiences across Android and iOS ecosystems. On Tuesday, Google announced winners for its Best of 2025 lists, crowning Pokémon TCG Pocket as the overall Best Game. Apple followed the next day by revealing 45 finalists for the App Store Awards, with winners set to be named later this month.

The Google Play awards, selected by the platform's editors, spotlighted standout titles in nine categories, primarily based on the U.S. region with variations elsewhere. Pokémon TCG Pocket earned top honors for its faithful recreation of the physical trading card game in digital form. Google praised the title for features like coin flips and booster pack openings that deliver a tactile feel through animations and effects. "We felt Pokémon TCG Pocket went above and beyond, delivering an authentic version of the physical card game, while retaining the joy of collecting cards," the company stated. Other U.S. winners included Disney Speedstorm for Best Multidevice Game, Dunk City Dynasty for Best Multiplayer, Candy Crush Solitaire for Best Pick Up and Play,...