Skip to main content

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

iPhone and iPad rest on a table, each with the App Store open.
Jongjet Klieanthong/123rf / Jongjet Klieanthong/123rf
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…
Arc Search, one of my favorite iPhone apps, is now on Android
Screenshots of the Arc Search app on Android.

Earlier this year, Arc Search became one of my favorite iPhone apps in recent memory. It's a browser app that's wicked fast, has a very clean interface, and has an unbelievably good AI feature. Today, Arc Search's developers (The Browser Company) have announced that the app is finally coming to Android.

Starting tomorrow, October 4, you can head to the Google Play Store and download Arc Search on any Android device running Android 13 or later. The app is still in open beta, and not every feature from the iOS app is currently available. Regardless, it's still exciting to see one of this year's best iPhone apps officially land on Android.

Read more
I’ll never travel without Belkin’s excellent iPhone and Apple Watch charger
An iPhone and Apple Watch on the Belkin BoostCharge Pro Travel Pad.

I've been on the road a lot this year, and as much as I love exploring the country and other parts of the world, some travel annoyances are difficult to overcome. One of them is remembering to pack the right charging cables for phones, smartwatches, and other gadgets. Even when you bring all the right charging accessories, you're often left with a messy hotel desk strewn with cables to charge all your devices. It's a frustrating situation all around.

Thankfully, I think I've finally found a solution to this problem — at least when it comes to charging my iPhone and Apple Watch. Belkin recently sent me its BoostCharge Pro Travel Pad, and after using it on a recent three-day trip to New York City, it's earned a permanent spot in my backpack as an accessory I'll never travel without again.
A small, flexible, and fun design
The Travel Pad's MagSafe iPhone charger Joe Maring / Digital Trends

Read more
This Google app will make your Pixel look more like an iPhone
A person holding the Google Pixel 9.

As Google's Pixel line of phones has grown over the years, some fans have pointed out the increasing resemblance to the iPhone. The rounded edges, sleek design, and raised camera bump are all reminiscent of Apple's iconic device — especially with the newest Google Pixel 9.

Now, it looks like even the incoming call screen of the Google Phone app will be taking on an iPhone-like appearance. This is according to an APK breakdown by Android Authority.

Read more