Categories include Stream Anytime Anywhere, Facial Transformations, Parent Tech and AR.

GLOBAL–Apple has released a list of the top app trends of 2017, with many games and branded apps that feature licensing programs topping the list including the “2017-18 NBA,” “Australia Broadcasting Kids iView,” “Episode ft. Pitch Perfect” and “My Very Hungry Caterpillar AR.”

The most popular app topic was Culture & Entertainment with users turning their attention to Stream Anytime, Anywhere apps that allow them to stream content wherever they are. The “2017-18 NBA,” “AFL Live Official” and “HBO GO” Latin American and Fox International’s “Nat Geo Kids” Latin America were among the most downloaded applications.

Facial Transformation apps were popular as well and reached audiences who were interested in everything from face-swapping to sampling makeup. “Makeup Plus,” which collaborates with makeup-companies and social media makeup artists, ranked high as well as “Snapchat” whose signature is its AR photo filters.

This year’s list proved that reading is alive and well, specifically through branded storytelling Bit-size book anecdotes topped the Reading Reinvented category with the licensed “Episode ft. Pitch Perfect” app featured prominently.

AR was a standout category with millions of users looking to blend the digital and physical worlds in new interactive ways. Fox and Sheep's “HABA Little Friends,” StoryToy’s “My Very Hungry Caterpillar AR” and Avatarico’s “Alice in Wonderland Stories AR Quest” topped the list.

Meanwhile, competitive-minded iPhone users promoted Electronic Arts’ “FIFA Soccer” and Konami’s “PES 2018 PRO Evolution Soccer” within the Real-Time Competition category.

Other trend categories included Machine Learning, Knowledge Sharing, A Healthier You and Watch and Cook, Swipe Right for Community, Everyone is an Artist, Sustainability and Mindful of Mental Health.