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Apple Reveals More than 30 Finalists for the Apple Design Awards

# Apple Design Awards Finalists for 2026 Announced

Apple has officially unveiled the finalists for the 2026 Apple Design Awards, honoring the finest applications available on the App Store. This esteemed event takes place as part of the annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), where the winners will be announced in the upcoming weeks leading up to the conference.

## Awards Overview

The Apple Design Awards commend innovation, creativity, and excellence in app design. This year, there are 36 finalists competing across six unique categories, each featuring three apps and three games. Notably, some applications are acknowledged in multiple categories, resulting in a total finalist count that is slightly below 36.

## Categories and Finalists

### Delight and Fun
This category emphasizes apps that offer unforgettable and engaging experiences, amplified by Apple technologies. The finalists here are recognized for their ability to enthrall users and ensure satisfaction.

### Inclusivity
Finalists in this category excel in crafting experiences that appeal to a diverse audience, reflecting a range of backgrounds, abilities, and languages. These applications are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for all users.

### Innovation
This category highlights apps that stand out due to their innovative application of Apple technologies, delivering a cutting-edge experience that distinguishes them within their genre. Innovation is pivotal for the finalists in this category.

### Interaction
Finalists in this section are acknowledged for their intuitive interfaces and seamless controls, precisely designed for their respective platforms. These applications prioritize user experience and usability.

### Social Impact
This category recognizes applications that create a significant difference in people’s lives and highlight important social issues. The finalists are dedicated to enhancing lives through their functionalities.

### Visuals and Graphics
Finalists in this section are characterized by their breathtaking imagery, expertly crafted interfaces, and high-quality animations, all unified with a consistent theme that enriches the overall user experience.

## Conclusion

The Apple Design Awards act as a standard for excellence in app design, and the finalists for 2026 showcase a diverse range of innovative and impactful applications. As the WWDC nears, excitement grows for the announcement of the winners. Which applications resonate with you among this year’s finalists?

iOS 27 Set to Launch New Personalized Wallpaper Functionality and Further Improvements, As per Report

**iOS 27: New Features and Developments**

iOS 27 is set to be revealed in merely three weeks, with recent articles showcasing three key features anticipated to improve the iPhone experience this year. A report by Bloomberg indicates that Apple is incorporating sophisticated AI functionalities into its Shortcuts, Writing Tools, and wallpaper personalization.

### Enhanced Grammar Correction

A highlight of iOS 27 is a superior grammar correction tool that competes with well-known third-party solutions like Grammarly. This innovative system will provide users with a semi-transparent menu that ascends from the bottom of the display, showcasing the original text alongside suggested modifications. Users can choose to accept specific suggestions, approve all edits, or dismiss them. Furthermore, options will be available to pause grammar correction and move between highlighted text sections, simplifying the writing refinement process for users.

### Upgraded Writing Tools

iOS 27 aims to improve the accessibility of Writing Tools. A new “Write With Siri” toggle will be placed at the top of the keyboard, enabling users to seek writing aid from Siri. In addition, a “Help Me Write” button will be visible when users call upon Siri in a text area, offering immediate assistance in crafting messages or documents.

### Natural Language Automation

The Shortcuts app, which allows users to set up automations for various activities, will undergo a substantial enhancement. Users will be capable of using everyday language to formulate shortcuts merely by describing their intended actions. The revamped app will inquire, “What do you want your shortcut to do?” and present a text box for their response. The system will then automatically create and install the shortcut on the device, simplifying task automation.

### AI-Created Custom Wallpapers

Another thrilling addition in iOS 27 is the capacity to generate personalized wallpapers through AI. This feature will expand upon the current Image Playground app and will be incorporated into the regular wallpaper selection interface. Users will have the ability to design customized lock screen and home screen backgrounds, further enriching the personalization of their devices.

### Conclusion

With these groundbreaking features, iOS 27 is set to elevate user experience through advanced writing resources, user-friendly shortcuts, and tailored aesthetics. As the announcement date draws nearer, anticipation grows regarding what Apple has prepared for its users.

Google Launches Redesigned Workspace App Icons

It’s not just you – the Google Workspace apps are getting a new look. The redesigned app icons, leaked last month, are now rolling out widely, as we started noticing this morning. Users with the redesigned icons will notice they now have a gradient look that fades from lighter to darker shades, rather than being […]

Top 5 Technology Offers to Buy from Amazon Collection

**5 Top Tech Offers to Snag from Amazon Haul**

Finding quality tech bargains can often feel challenging, particularly outside the main holiday and sale seasons. 2026 is already projected to be a costly year for technology, with multiple companies increasing the prices of their existing offerings. A recent illustration of this trend comes from Samsung, which raised the prices on its tablets, phones, and laptops. Yet, there’s good news. Amazon is proving to be a beacon of hope with its Amazon Haul section, featuring discounted items in various categories, from fashion and beauty to home and electronics.

In addition to the price cuts, Amazon enhances the appeal further by providing free shipping on orders of $25 or more. Therefore, if you’re on the lookout for useful tech devices to enhance your workspace or simplify your daily routine, you should definitely explore Amazon Haul bargains. We have sifted through a multitude of tech offerings available and unearthed these deals that are definitely worth your attention.

**ProCase for iPad Air 13-inch**

If you’ve recently purchased Apple’s latest M4-powered 13-inch iPad Air and haven’t found a case yet due to the high cost of Apple’s offering, you might want to consider this alternative. It retails for $15, but with the ongoing Amazon Haul sale, you can snag this case for just $10. The ProCase for iPad Air 13-inch has received positive feedback from Amazon shoppers, holding a 4.6 out of 5 rating from nearly 5,000 reviewers. It comes in a variety of color options, such as Aqua, Black, Green, Grey, Purple, and more, increasing the chances you’ll discover one that suits your style.

The case shields your iPad Air from dust and scratches with its book-style design and also functions as a stand. The stand provides a dual-angle view (one for watching and another for typing), letting you switch between the two as needed. It accommodates several 13-inch iPad Air models, including the M2 version introduced in 2024 and the latest M4-powered model.

**Kingheroes Electric Toothbrush**

Another excellent deal to snag during Amazon’s ongoing Haul sale is the KingHeroes Electric Toothbrush, priced at $10. It features four modes to toggle between (clean, whiten, soft, and super), with each mode providing varying vibration intensities. The toothbrush operates on battery power, with the brand claiming a single charge lasts for 60 days. This toothbrush is packaged with a set of eight brush heads, eliminating the need for additional purchases for quite some time.

Additionally, the toothbrush is equipped with a travel case for easy packing with your other items. It also has a built-in smart timer that automatically stops after two minutes and prompts you to change the area you’re brushing every 30 seconds. This KingHeroes Electric Toothbrush is available in Black, Light Purple, Pink, or White. It enjoys an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 on Amazon from over 15,000 reviews.

**Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds**

Wireless earbuds are incredibly convenient for enjoying music while on the move, such as during your subway commute. They can also be valuable for listening to calming background music that aids in maintaining focus while working. Anker’s P20i True Wireless Earbuds are an excellent choice, having garnered positive feedback from users. These earbuds boast an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 from over 104,000 reviewers, demonstrating their popularity and broad appeal. With the earbuds currently discounted as part of Amazon’s Haul sale, it’s a bargain certainly worth exploring.

For reference, the Anker P20i normally retails for $40, but they are now available at a 50 percent discount, marking the lowest price they have ever reached, as per CamelCamelCamel data. They promise up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge, extending to 30 hours with the charging case. Anker includes a USB-C to USB-A cable for charging along with two extra pairs of ear tips—one large and one small. You can connect the earbuds to the brand’s accompanying app to tailor the sound to your preferences using the provided equalizer.

**Kenhao 3-Port 67W USB-C Car Charger**

Your contemporary vehicle likely comes equipped with multiple USB ports. Unfortunately, car USB ports are often slow, making it feel like it takes ages to charge your phone significantly. Car chargers are your best option for a speedy charging experience, and if you’re in search of one, don’t miss Kenhao’s 3-Port 67W USB-C Car Charger currently available on Amazon. The charger is listed at $

Reasons Apple Ceased the Inclusion of Stickers in Every iPhone Package

iPhone packaging is famously challenging to unwrap as Apple aims to create that spark of excitement before users finally access the device. As soon as the box is opened, the iPhone is the first item seen, while the layer beneath holds the accessories and documentation. Nevertheless, typical iPhone customers switching to an iPhone 16 or iPhone 17 model will notice the absence of a familiar bonus: the Apple stickers that were included with earlier iPhone models and other Apple items. Apple ceased including Apple-logo stickers in packaging in 2024 for environmental considerations. The company transitioned to a completely fiber-based product packaging approach, leading to the removal of the Apple stickers, which are made from plastic.

It’s not just the iPhone that has lost those signature stickers displaying Apple logos. In February 2024, the Apple Vision Pro was the first new Apple product to be delivered without stickers in its packaging. By May 2024, the M4 iPad Pro and the latest iPad Air also no longer featured the Apple stickers. The iPhone 16 lineup, launched in September 2024, introduced 100% fiber-based packaging, indicating the stickers were eliminated. Apple is implementing a self-imposed plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.

Users of Apple products who stay updated on Apple happenings might have anticipated this shift. In 2020, when the iPhone 12 series debuted, Apple removed the charging brick from iPhones. The company noted that omitting the charger from the iPhone package enabled a reduction in the size of the retail box and allowed for 70% more boxes to be shipped on a pallet than previously, which was akin to taking 450,000 vehicles off the road annually. The plastic Apple stickers were likely to be phased out eventually.

What was the reason behind Apple including stickers in product boxes?

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