App Development Apple Ecosystem UX/UI Design

How to Participate in the Apple Design Awards: A Step-by-Step Guide

April 25, 2025
4 min read
app design app performance app store Apple Design Awards Apple developer Apple guidelines ARKit CoreML inclusive design iOS development mobile apps SwiftUI UI design UX design WWDC

Each year, the Apple Design Awards (ADA) honor innovation, ingenuity, and technical achievement in app and game design. Winning an ADA can catapult a developer’s credibility, visibility, and even revenue. But how does one participate in this elite celebration of digital design excellence? This comprehensive guide will walk you through every detail you need to know to maximize your chances of being noticed by the judges.

What Are the Apple Design Awards?

The Apple Design Awards are presented annually at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). The awards celebrate exceptional design and innovation in apps and games across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. Categories evolve but typically include:

Inclusivity
Delight and Fun
Interaction
Social Impact
Visuals and Graphics
Innovation

Learn more about Apple Design Awards

Step 1: Understand the Eligibility Criteria

Before you set your sights on the ADA, you need to ensure your app or game meets the eligibility criteria.

Basic Requirements:

Must be available on the App Store.
Must support the latest Apple hardware and software platforms.
Should follow Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines.
Should demonstrate design excellence, technical achievement, and originality.

Tip: Apps can be submitted by individuals or teams, but all contributors must be properly credited.

Apple Human Interface Guidelines

Step 2: Focus on Design and User Experience

Apple places a strong emphasis on aesthetic appeal, usability, and polish.

Key Design Elements:

Consistent and intuitive navigation
Aesthetic coherence across different devices
Use of haptics, animations, and motion
Accessibility and inclusivity

Make sure your app looks great on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS if applicable.

Case Study: Check out past winners like Procreate, Craft, or Pok Pok Playroom to understand design finesse.

Accessibility Guidelines

Step 3: Incorporate Apple Technologies

Winning apps are often on the cutting edge, making smart use of Apple’s APIs and frameworks.

Examples of Advanced Tech Usage:

ARKit for augmented reality
CoreML for machine learning
SwiftUI for native UI
Metal for graphics rendering
HealthKit, HomeKit, SiriKit for native integrations

The more you embrace Apple’s ecosystem, the more likely your app will stand out.

Explore Apple Frameworks

Step 4: Optimize Performance

Performance is just as critical as design. Apple prizes apps that:

Launch quickly
Run smoothly without lag
Maintain battery efficiency
Use memory wisely

Tools for Performance Testing:

Xcode Instruments
TestFlight for beta testing
Apple’s Performance Best Practices

Instruments Overview

Step 5: Submit Your App to the App Store

Only apps available on the App Store can be considered for the Apple Design Awards. Ensure:

Your app is live in multiple regions.
It has positive reviews and user engagement.
You’re in good standing with Apple Developer Program policies.

Submit an App

Join the Apple Developer Program

Step 6: Promote and Advocate for Your App

While there’s no official nomination form for the ADAs, visibility plays a key role.

Get Noticed by Apple:

Engage with Apple Evangelists
Attend WWDC, Tech Talks, and App Store events
Submit to App Store Editorial Team
Build social media buzz

Tip: Include a compelling App Store product page, demo videos, and regularly update your app.

App Store Marketing Guidelines

Step 7: Watch the WWDC Keynote and ADA Ceremony

Even if you don’t win, attending or tuning into WWDC is crucial. It allows you to:

Understand emerging trends
Learn from winning developers
Network with the Apple community

WWDC Info Hub

Step 8: Review Past Winners and Learn

Study the hall of fame to see what made previous winners successful.

Notable Winners:

Procreate (Design & Performance)
Halide (Innovation)
Pok Pok Playroom (Delight and Fun)

Observe their:

UI/UX
Technology stack
Storytelling approach

Browse Past Winners

Step 9: Stay Consistent and Keep Improving

Winning is not just about the current year — it’s about continuous excellence.

Ongoing Strategies:

Update regularly with new features and bug fixes
Integrate user feedback
Explore new Apple SDKs as they’re released

Final Words

Participating in the Apple Design Awards is not just a goal, it’s a journey toward creating something exceptional. Even if you don’t win, the process of striving toward ADA-worthy standards can significantly elevate your app’s quality, user satisfaction, and discoverability.

As Steve Jobs once said, “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” If you take this to heart, your app could very well be the next in line for Apple’s highest honor.