Apple’s App Store has nearly 150,000 apps for the iPhone and Touch devices. Some good, some bad and some exceptional. The apps in this list are the latter. The best apps of 2009 in categories…

Best iPhone Game Apps

N.O.V.A. – ‘Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance’ was the the most anticipated iPhone game to date. For good reason. A first person shooter masterpiece as innovative & exciting as the XBOX Halo series.

Space Invaders – Infinity Gene is an evolved version of one of the oldest video games in history, Space Invaders. An extreme amount of action, precise control & same art direction makes this a new classic.

Need For Speed Shift is the best racing game on the iPhone. Even beating out Real Racing, the former king. Stunning realistic graphics, ultra sharp controls and online play makes NFS Shift the new champ.

Best iPhone Productivity Apps

2Do is just a task, calendar and to do app. But it’s designed so well its almost suspicious. This will make your calendar app useless. In an overcrowded “to do” app genre, 2Do takes the cake – by strides.

LogMeIn Ignition lets you EASILY have remote access and full control to any PC or Mac in the world so as long as they are connected to the internet. Works like a dream, even on 3G.

Dropbox for the iPhone is not only one the best free apps in the store, but one of the most useful, paid or free. Aptly named, just “drop” any file in the box and its updated to all devices / computers.

Best iPhone Utilities Apps

1Password Pro is another app in an overcrowded genre. The little brother of the Mac OS version, they sync like magic. Securely store all your passwords to websites and “wallet” items with easy access.

Air Mouse Pro is a turbo charged wireless mouse, keyboard and media controller for Mac and PC’s. The refined precision of control, many uses and a back up peripheral makes this gold.

iCam is a webcam viewer (up to 4 at a time) that can be used as a stellar security system, baby monitor or just keeping an out out on “things”. Records when there is movement and pushes notifications.

Best iPhone Music Apps

Touch DJ is a DJ’s dream come true. Great for parties, practice and even live shows. Literally able to replace thousands of dollars worth of equipment. Scratch, mix, and beat match like a pro.

Pandora is one of the most downloaded iPhone apps to date. A customizable internet radio with personalized playlists. Has a seemingly limitless amount of songs, all for free.

Shazam, just like the name, is like magic. It can find details about many popular songs just by the app listening to a few seconds of a song or even while humming. Then gives you the option to buy.

Best iPhone Business Apps

Analytics App is simply the iPhone version of Google Analytics. Shows nearly all the data available in a minimal but effective user interface. You may never have to go straight to the source with this.

Delivery Status Touch is the mother of all package tracking apps. Access to just about all major shipping providers in the world while making it a joy to use with their gorgeous user interface.

MindNode also available for the Mac, is an idea and plan mapping tool. Simple yet vastly useful for jotting down notes in true brain storming style. Mind mapping has never been so easy.

Best iPhone Social Networking Apps

Facebook 2 for the iPhone was a tremendous step up from the previous version, which was still good. Although there is still some components missing from the full Facebook, this app delivers.

Tweetie 2 is also a second generation app that goes above and beyond it’s original, yet still great version. This Twitter app is so good, you may ignore the website version altogether.

Ego is perfect for the true social network addict. A quick dashboard view of stats of an array of social networks, analytics and other details presented in a beautiful way. Can we say narcissistic?

Best iPhone Photography Apps

Snapture was initially a jail break only camera app. After its recent arrival to the app store, the popularity has sky rocketed. This camera app does what the native iPhone camera wishes it could.

ReelDirector is quite a landmark iPhone app. A very fine film editing tool that works exceptionally well loaded with options that both a professional and an amateur could appreciate.

Photoshop.com Mobile, not to be confused with the Photoshop we all know too well, puts all the other similar and PAID photo editing apps to shame. Works better than most and its free.

Best iPhone Navigation Apps

GPS Drive is the best GPS navigation app for the money. Actually, that’s quite an understatement. Other similar brand name apps like TomTom and Navigon costs $59.99 plus monthly fees.

Central Park NYC is basically Google Maps for that particular area. Highly detailed with just about every inch of Central Park covered. “Locate me” is a nice touch but lacks true GPS locations.

Best iPhone News App

CNN Mobile delivers the news like never before. A very “CNN” like user interface (great) that is constantly updated and available with “live” broadcasting. Even has push notifications for big news.

Best iPhone Entertainment App

Imagine the Scale is one of the most unique apps there is. Not everyone could appreciate this, but to those that do, know how amazing this app is. Scale atoms to the planets to the universe.

MyReef 3D Aquarium is the best of the growing genre of “virtual pets” iPhone apps. Ultra realistic fish and environments and customizable options. Tap the glass, fish scurry away, add food and they eat.

Worst iPhone Apps

Eliminate Pro is the greediest app in the store. Ngmoco, the greedy makers of the game is laughing all the way to the bank. An evil yet brilliant method to make money with this “free” game. Do NOT support!

Touch Scale is an app that that should not exist. It doesn’t work, but also, its not suppose to. It’s not funny, fun or has a purpose, like other “fake” apps that actually do provide entertainment.

That is it for 2009’s best and a couple of the worst iPhone apps. Don’t agree? Have something to say? Then tell us what you think in the comments. The quality of the app store has greatly increased this year and as developers gain more experience, apps will only get better. This time next year, we should be making the best apps list for the iPhone 4 on a whole new OS. Have a happy new year!