The 2025 Apple App Store Awards have revealed a fascinating shift in how artificial intelligence is shaping mobile experiences: it’s no longer a standalone category, but rather the invisible engine powering next-generation apps. This year’s winners exemplify how AI seamlessly integrates into everyday tools, much like decentralized finance integrates with traditional banking. Rather than showcasing technological prowess as a novelty, these apps address real user problems. For example, Tiimo, which won iPhone App of the Year for its intelligent scheduling features, allows users to break down tasks into realistic plans based on estimated time durations and adapts to changing priorities. Similarly, Pokémon TCG Pocket, though not marketed as an AI-powered game, utilizes AI algorithms for matchmaking, deck recommendations, and adaptive difficulty adjustments. These apps demonstrate how smart technology is becoming the norm, solving real problems behind the scenes just like cryptocurrency exchanges use AI for security and fraud detection. 2025’s winners highlight a trend of practical application over novelty. This shift in mobile app development mirrors the evolution of crypto: from whitepapers to functional tools that solve real-world problems. Apple’s App Store Awards offer insights into this ongoing revolution.