In a surprising turn of events, tech giants Apple and Google have diverged from their usual patterns in selecting their ‘App of the Year.’ While hiking and biking companion AllTrails clinched the top spot for Apple’s iPhone App of the Year, Google Play crowned the educational app Imprint: Learn Visually as its best app. The unanimous choice for Game of the Year, Honkai: Star Rail, echoed across both platforms. However, what truly stands out is the omission of ChatGPT, the fastest-growing consumer application in history, from the limelight.
Unconventional Choices
Apple’s deviation from the norm was evident in its selection process. Rather than spotlighting new or technologically innovative apps, the finalists included stalwarts like the language learning app Duolingo and travel app Flighty. The move signifies a shift towards recognizing well-established and well-designed mobile companions.
Apple Ignores AI Category
Notably, Apple didn’t acknowledge any app from the AI category as the app of the year, despite the monumental success of ChatGPT and its peers. ChatGPT set records as the fastest-growing consumer application, reaching 100 million users shortly after its launch. Although Instagram Threads later surpassed this record, ChatGPT’s active user base still remains substantial. The decision to bypass the AI category raises questions about Apple’s strategic choices.
Google’s Multi-Device Focus
Google, on the other hand, took a distinctive approach by spotlighting “multi-device” that aligns with its efforts to facilitate the discovery of non-smartphone applications. Spotify secured the title of the best multi-device app, raising eyebrows given recent revelations about its special arrangement with Google to bypass Play Store fees. Despite ChatGPT’s absence from the top spot, users voiced their preference, making it the User’s Choice App of the Year. While ChatGPT claimed victory in the User’s Choice category, former Google researchers took the AI category’s top spot with Character AI.
Our Say
While Apple and Google’s choices may confound industry observers, the dynamics of selection often reflect the ever-evolving landscape of consumer preferences and market trends. The oversight of ChatGPT, a juggernaut in the AI space, suggests a deliberate departure from the expected trajectory. In an era dominated by AI advancements, perhaps next year’s ‘App of the Year’ will better reflect the transformative power of artificial intelligence.
