The best iOS and Android apps of 2018, according to Apple and Google

Within a few days of one another, both Apple and Google have revealed their best performing apps and games of 2018 on their respective app stores.

Both companies had several categories to fill. Google took inspiration from a “Fan Favourites” voting poll over on its store to determine what users liked best on the Play Store.

Apple listed its top performers using “a global collection of top charts and selects from our editors” and awarded winners in each category for both iPhone and iPad.

We’ve narrowed it down to the best apps and games overall. Have at it below.

Best Apps

Google Play Store

Google’s awarded the educational app Drops: Learn 31 New Languages as its best app of the year. This app helps you learn the essentials of a number of languages “via gorgeous minimalist illustrations and fast paced micro-games.”

The Fan Favourite Google app, however, was YouTube TV (which isn’t yet available in South Africa).

Apple App Store

Procreate Pocket, an illustration app that’s “built for professionals”, was named as the best iPhone app of 2018.

Meanwhile, the best iPad app was Froggipedia, an app that teaches users about the ins and outs of frogs using augmented reality.

Best Games

Google Play

Google’s game of the year was Tencent’s PUBG Mobile, the mobile version of the console and PC video game by the same name.

PUBG Mobile also won the Fan Favourite award for the Games category.

Apple App Store

The best iPhone game went to puzzler Donut Country, “where you play as an ever-growing hole in the ground”.

“Meet cute characters, steal their trash, and throw them in a hole,” the app description added.

Apple also revealed its best iPad game, another puzzle game, called Gorogoa.

Interestingly despite none of its best apps or games following the trend, Apple noted self-care style apps and battle-royale style games as the most popular this year.

Feature image: Apple