Two India-Origin Apps Named Finalists for 2026 Apple Design Awards
NEW DELHI — Apple has named two India-origin apps, Katha Room and Guitar Wiz, among the finalists for the 2026 Apple Design Awards, recognizing innovation, inclusivity and creativity in app and game design.
The U.S.-based technology company announced 36 finalists across six categories for this year’s awards, which honor outstanding design experiences and technical achievement by developers on Apple platforms.
Katha Room, a bedtime stories app inspired by Indian folklore, was shortlisted in the Social Impact category. Apple described it as “a bedtime stories app from India with rich, colorful art and a commitment to cultural representation.”
The app uses immersive sound design and visuals inspired by the traditional Gond art form to bring Indian folk stories to life.
Guitar Wiz, an all-in-one toolkit for guitarists, was developed by solo Indian developer Bijoy Thangaraj using SwiftUI. The app was recognized in the Inclusivity category for accessibility-focused features, including VoiceOver integration, Dynamic Type support and Increased Contrast options.
According to Apple, Guitar Wiz helps people of all abilities play with greater independence by offering spoken guidance on pitch, chords and finger placements.
The Apple Design Awards honor apps and games in categories including Delight and Fun, Inclusivity, Innovation, Interaction, Social Impact, and Visuals and Graphics.
This year’s finalists include apps and games built for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro.
Apple said the awards recognize developers who have demonstrated “innovation, ingenuity, and technical achievement” through exceptional user experiences.
India-origin apps have appeared among Apple Design Award finalists in previous years. In 2025, India-linked finalists included Lumy, Denim and EVOLVE, while meditation app Meditate was shortlisted in 2024. (Source: IANS)
