Skip to main content

Apple announces its Best of 2016 lists; Prisma named top iPhone app

Every year Apple releases a list of what it thinks are the highlights for the year, including things top music, apps, movies, TV, and so on. Well, folks, the Best of 2016 list has finally been released.

Perhaps the most interesting title to show up on the lists is Prisma, a photo editing tool Apple has deemed the iPhone App of the Year. The app is free and was awarded the prize because of its beautiful design and top photo editing features, especially for a mobile app.

Recommended Videos

Prisma wasn’t the only app on the list. Also making an appearance are Clash Royale, which was named the iPhone Game of the Year, and Sketchbook Motion, which was awarded the title of iPad App of the Year. It’s interesting that Clash Royale was named Game of the Year, especially considering the popularity of cultural phenomenon Pokémon Go.

As mentioned, apps are just one of the lists that Apple releases. When it comes to music, Drake claimed top album and song spots with Views. The Hamilton soundtrack also claimed the honor of top-selling album, as well as Adele’s 25.

When it comes to movies, Deadpool claimed the Best Blockbuster spot, while Star Wars: The Force Awakens unsurprisingly was the top seller of the year.

TV shows also made an appearance in Apple’s lists. Game of Thrones was the top seller for the year, American Crime Story claimed the title of  This Year’s Obsession.

According to Apple, podcasts hit a pretty big milestone this year. Around the world, Apple customers consumed 10 billion podcast downloads and streams. The top downloaded podcast of the year was NPR’s Fresh Air.

Last but not least is iBooks and HomegoingEvicted, and Born to Run all claimed top spots on the platform.

Christian de Looper
Christian de Looper is a long-time freelance writer who has covered every facet of the consumer tech and electric vehicle…
iPhone theft victim sues Apple. It sparks a new hope for others, too
The iPhone 16 sticking out of someone's pocket.

Smartphones are the center of our digital existence. Not just because they open the doors for communication and social connection, but also due to their role as gatekeepers of our financial and professional lives. 

Needless to say, a stolen iPhone can upend your life in many ways, but it’s even harder to recover those precious files stored on the device. A few victims of iPhone theft may finally have a chance, thanks to a lawsuit against Apple over not offering enough help in recovery efforts.

Read more
Apple iPhone owners urged to download new update now as a security must
An iPhone showing the Apple Password app.

The new iPhone software update, iOS 18.4, could be more critical than is being talked about when it comes to security.

While there are lots of new features added in the latest release, out yesterday, what's less talked about is the 62 security updates and fixes that roll out with this version. Some are quite serious.

Read more
Rolex’s latest watch launch reminds me of an iPhone announcement
An iPhone 16 Pro Max showing the Rolex Land Dweller.

As a journalist who covers mobile technology, the release of a new Rolex watch wouldn’t normally be something I’d write about, unless the brand suddenly made an unexpected push into smartwatches. While the Rolex Land Dweller is not a connected watch, the situation leading up to its announcement and the way it has been presented to the public afterwards, is right out of Apple and Samsung’s playbook, which makes it fascinating. Let me take you through how luxury watches and mobile tech have crossed over in a most unusual way.
Land of leaks
Roger Federer spotted wearing the Rolex Land Dweller Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Brand new products leaking ahead of announcement is part of the mobile tech landscape. Whether it’s Apple or ZTE, information ranging from benchmark tests to dummy devices, and even the actual device itself being spotted before it’s official is both normal and expected. This information comes our way through well-connected individuals, sources inside the supply chain, and some more unconventional methods, such as sneaky spy shots.

Read more