These categories recognize innovation in apps updated or first published since 1 July 2023. Forms of innovation to be considered include innovation in design, format, production, distribution, and/or interactivity.

Nominations that won in the 2025 edition of the awards may be resubmitted for consideration to the 2026 awards. If they have been updated with recent achievements, they may be resubmitted to the categories in which they won. If they have not been updated, they must be submitted to categories different from those in which they won.

Information to be submitted online for entries in these categories will include

a. An essay of up to 2,500 characters describing the app and the innovative aspect of the app that you are nominating, OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length describing the same.
b. If you submit a written essay, you must also show us the app itself, in the form of a demonstration video of up to three (3) minutes in length. You must attach the demonstration video to your entry through our attachment/link uploading tool.
c. Optionally, you may list creative and production credits for your app - a list of the people and organizations that contribute to its development.

F55. Award for Innovation in AI-Powered Apps (new for 2026)
F56. Award for Innovation in Business Information Apps
F57. Award for Innovation in Business Utility Apps
F58. Award for Innovation in Education or Training Apps
F59. Award for Innovation in Entertainment Apps
F60. Award for Innovation in Financial Services or Fintech Apps (new for 2026)
F61. Award for Innovation in Gaming Apps (new for 2026)
F62. Award for Innovation in General Information or News Apps
F63. Award for Innovation in General Utility Apps
F64. Award for Innovation in Health, Wellness and Lifestyle Apps (new for 2026)
F65. Award for Innovation in Productivity Apps
F66. Award for Innovation in Shopping or E-commerce Apps
F67. Award for Innovation in Social Apps