WhatsApp tops Apple 2012 list, Airbnb and iPlayer honoured

Apple has named its top apps of 2012, both in terms of raw download numbers and the software goodies that have outshone the competition.

Cross-platform messaging wonder WhatsApp takes the cake as the top paid app, proving that loads of iOS customers are happy to part with 69p for the privilege of never needing to send a normal text again.

Competitive doodle-em-up Draw Something was the second most popular paid app, while Angry Birds Space and Angry Birds Star Wars took third and fourth place respectively.

YouTube's video app is the most popular free app, followed by the free version of Draw Something. Instagram and Temple Run also proved popular among those who like their apps free of charge.

Apple has also named its Editors' Choice awards for this year's downloadable treats, honouring travel app Airbnb as the best app of the year, while the excellent Rayman Jungle Run has been crowned Game of the Year, just ahead of runner-up Super Hexagon. Taxi-grabber Hailo is the runner-up for app of the year.

Interestingly, Apple appears to have chosen different top apps in the UK. The BBC's iPlayer Radio has been given a mention in the 'disruptive services' category, which recognises apps that are shaking up the industry.

Music and movies have been recognised on iTunes too, with Emeli Sandé nabbing artist of the year, and Avengers Assemble taking home the best blockbuster award.

If you don't mind iTunes heaving its sorry backside onto your desktop, you can see the full lists here.

Personally I'm chuffed to see my personal timewaster of choice Hero Academy listed in the best 'new ways to play' apps, though I'm certain there are some software treats that have slipped under the radar. Do you know a killer app that's not getting the attention it deserves? Say so in the comments or on our Facebook wall.