Google Play announced its Best of 2025 awards, recognizing standout apps that demonstrated innovation and quality throughout the year. Focus Friend by Hank Green claimed the top spot for Best App globally, while District: Movies Events Dining won Best App in India.
Google Play’s Android ecosystem has enabled over 3.5 million jobs in India and contributed more than Rs 4 trillion to the country’s economy, demonstrating the platform’s significant economic impact alongside its technological innovation. These achievements underscore the platform’s role in shaping India’s digital future and empowering developers nationwide.
The awards highlight a significant shift toward AI-powered experiences, particularly in India where 69% of users report their first AI interaction came through an Android app. District uses AI to deliver personalized local recommendations, while InVideo AI: AI Video Generator won Best for Personal Growth by enabling video creation from text prompts. The awards also introduced a new Top Trending collection spotlighting rapidly growing apps like Instamart for quick commerce and Adobe Firefly for generative AI art.
“Play is only successful when our developers are successful — their innovation is what fuels the platform,” said Sam Bright, Vice President and General Manager of Google Play. The company has tailored the Play experience to better support developers who serve billions of users globally. Multi-device functionality emerged as a key theme, with Luminar: Photo Editor winning Best Multi-device App for its AI-powered photo editing tools that work seamlessly across devices. Goodnotes: Notes, docs, PDF secured Best App for Large Screens, while productivity tools now address holistic well-being alongside task management. Indian creators are leveraging AI in innovative ways. Toonsutra: Webtoon & Manga App’s AI-powered Cinematic Mode brought Indian comics to life, earning Best Hidden Gem recognition for transforming original content into immersive experiences.