US tech giant Apple has selected two India-origin apps, Katha Room and Guitar Wiz, as finalists for the 2026 Apple Design Awards. These awards recognize innovation and creativity in app and game design within Apple’s global developer community. Apple revealed 36 finalists across six categories for this year’s awards, honoring exceptional design experiences and technical accomplishments on Apple platforms.
Katha Room, an app featuring bedtime stories inspired by Indian folklore, is one of the India-origin finalists. It has been shortlisted in the Social Impact category for its rich, colorful art and cultural representation commitment. The app merges immersive sound design with visuals influenced by the traditional Gond art form, bringing Indian folk tales to vibrant life.
The second India-origin finalist, Guitar Wiz, is an all-in-one toolkit for guitarists created by solo Indian developer Bijoy Thangaraj using SwiftUI. Recognized in the Inclusivity category, the app offers accessibility-focused features like VoiceOver integration, Dynamic Type support, and Increased Contrast options. Guitar Wiz empowers users of all abilities by providing spoken guidance on pitch, chords, and finger placements.
Apple’s annual Apple Design Awards acknowledge apps and games in categories such as Delight and Fun, Inclusivity, Innovation, Interaction, Social Impact, and Visuals and Graphics. This year’s finalists encompass creations for various Apple platforms including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. The awards highlight developers who have showcased innovation, ingenuity, and technical prowess through exceptional user experiences.
India-linked apps have previously been recognized in the Apple Design Award finals. In past years, apps like Lumy, Denim, EVOLVE, and Meditate have made appearances. All finalists and their apps are accessible on the Apple Developer website and the App Store.
