The App Store features various games and apps targeting each type of player, including the casual mobile gamer, right down to the true enthusiasts. Apple has been clear on the most downloaded games and apps of 2024 in the United States, showcasing recent gaming trends.

Whether you're an Apple Arcade subscriber or someone who prefers free or paid apps, there's something for everyone. Here are the top games that are making waves on iOS devices this year.

App Store

Top Apple Arcade Games for 2024

Apple Arcade remains offering top-notch, ad-free gaming experiences. Those who love uninterrupted gameplay and are not interested in in-app purchases will find these games ideal. Here are some of the top titles that you may have to look into as an Apple Arcade subscriber:

1. NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition
2. Snake.io+
3. Hello Kitty Island Adventure
4. Sneaky Sasquatch
5. Bloons TD 6+
6. Sonic Dream Team
7. NFL Retro Bowl '25
8. Disney Dreamlight Valley
9. Cooking Mama: Cuisine!
10. Solitaire by MobilityWare+

Most Popular Free iPhone and iPad Games

If you're not looking to commit to a subscription but still want to enjoy fun gaming experiences, these free-to-play games dominate the App Store for iPhone and iPad:

Top Free iPhone Games

1. Block Blast!
2. MONOPOLY GO!
3. Roblox
4. Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile
5. Township
6. Last War: Survival
7. Royal Match
8. Brawl Stars
9. Subway Surfers
10. My Perfect Hotel

Top Free iPad Games

1. Roblox
2. Magic Tiles 3: Piano Game
3. MONOPOLY GO!
4. Subway Surfers
5. Brawl Stars
6. Geometry Dash Lite
7. Block Blast!
8. Among Us!
9. My Perfect Hotel
10. Royal Match

The Best Paid iPhone and iPad Games

For those willing to pay for premium experiences, these paid games offer deep, immersive gameplay without the distractions of ads or in-app purchases:

Top Paid iPhone Games

1. Minecraft: Play with Friends
2. Heads Up!
3. Geometry Dash
4. Papa's Freezeria To Go!
5. Bloons TD 6
6. Five Nights at Freddy's
7. Plague Inc.
8. MONOPOLY: The Board Game
9. Stardew Valley
10. Red's First Flight

Top Paid iPad Games

1. Minecraft: Play with Friends
2. Geometry Dash
3. Five Nights at Freddy's
4. Stardew Valley
5. Bloons TD 6
6. Papa's Paleteria To Go!
7. Five Nights at Freddy's 2
8. Poppy Playtime Chapter 1
9. MONOPOLY: The Board Game
10. Ultimate Custom Night

Paid apps on iOS deliver the full gaming experience without further cost, meaning you can dive straight into playing without microtransactions.

Top Downloaded iOS Apps in 2024

Besides gaming, Apple also shared the top downloaded apps for iPhone and iPad users. For those who like apps better than games, here's a glance at the most popular ones:

Top Free iPhone Apps

1. Temu: Shop Like a Billionaire
2. Threads
3. TikTok
4. ChatGPT
5. Google
6. Instagram
7. WhatsApp Messenger
8. CapCut - Video Editor
9. YouTube: Watch, Listen, Stream
10. Gmail - Email by Google

Top Paid iPhone Apps

1. Shadowrocket
2. HotSchedules
3. Procreate Pocket
4. 75 Hard
5. AnkiMobile Flashcards
6. AutoSleep Track Sleep on Watch
7. Paprika Recipe Manager 3
8. TonalEnergy Tuner & Metronome
9. Goblin Tools
10. Forest: Focus for Productivity

It doesn't matter if it's shopping, editing pictures, or staying productive—these apps have become essential in the daily lives of iOS users.

Apple's Most Recognized Games and Apps of 2024

In addition to revealing the top downloaded apps, Apple also recognized exceptional games and apps with the 2024 App Store Awards. The winners include:

• iPhone Game of the Year: AFK Journey
• iPad Game of the Year: Squad Busters
• Mac Game of the Year: Thank Goodness You're Here!
• Apple Arcade Game of the Year: Balatro+

These games have set the bar for excellence in 2024, showcasing innovation and creativity in mobile gaming.