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

By Christian de Looper Published December 7, 2016

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 Homegoing, Evicted, and Born to Run all claimed top spots on the platform.

Christian de Looper

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Christian de Looper is a long-time freelance writer who has covered every facet of the consumer tech and electric vehicle…

Topics

Phones

I found six Android phone bargains worth your attention during Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days

Electronics, Screen, Computer Hardware

Finding a genuine smartphone bargain during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. To save you the hassle, I've sifted through the noise to select six standout deals on Android phones that deliver incredible value for every budget. From budget picks under $300 to cutting-edge foldables, these six picks deliver real savings of up to 33% off.

Google Pixel 11 Pro – $849 (23% off)

Phones

5 Amazon Prime Day charging accessory deals I’d grab before they sell out

From a wireless charging station to a high-capacity power bank, these five deals can make keeping your devices topped up a whole lot easier.

Electronics, Mobile Phone, Phone

Charging accessories aren't the most exciting gadgets to shop for, but the right ones can make a surprisingly big difference to your setup. Whether you want one station to handle all your devices, a wireless charger for your desk or nightstand, a power bank that can keep your laptop running, or a single brick capable of charging five devices at once, Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days has some worthwhile options. I've sifted through the barrage of off-brand junk to find five charging accessories that are worth your attention, with discounts that make them even more tempting.

Anker Nano 7-in-1 Charging Station – $59.98 (25% off)

Phones

A US state just approved an AI doctor. For now, it’ll only prescribe acne cures.

Aside from acne, Nolla's AI can also handle redness, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and dark spots, and under-eye bags.

Nolla Derm AI doctor app.

The first AI doctor is here. Despite all the skepticism and risks associated with AI models going haywire, the state of Utah just approved Nolla Health, a company that is providing an AI healthcare expert capable of writing prescriptions without any human in the chain. For now, it will only write acne prescriptions for Utah residents over 18 years of age, willing to pay a token monthly subscription fee that's lighter than your Spotify bill.

The big push here is that the Nolla Derm app will reduce the costs of medical consultation, save users the hassle of clinic visits, and take out the problem of waitlisting from the entire healthcare equation. “Unlike telehealth platforms that use AI only to collect information before handing patients off to clinicians, Nolla's AI system is designed to independently issue initial prescriptions within tightly defined, physician-approved treatment protocols,” writes the company.