Apple should announce a dedicated app to boost gaming experiences across its platforms beyond Game Center, achievements and leaderboards.
“Apple Inc. is planning a dedicated app for video games on its devices, seeking to sell gamers and developers on the idea that it’s a leader in the market,” Mark Gurman reported on Bloomberg.
The app will be preinstalled on the iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV later this year, suggesting it will be bundled with the upcoming iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26 and tvOS 26 software updates (Apple is expected to rename its operating system).
Apple could unveil a dedicated gaming app at WWDC 2025
Gurman has learned that the new app will combine several disparate gaming functions. It would, for example, serve as a launcher for titles but also provide in-game achievements and leaderboards like Game Center, as well as communications, editorial content, access to the App Store’s game section and more.
The new app will replace Game Center, which launched in 2010 but never gathered serious momentum. A Mac version of the app will also allow people to download games outside of the App Store, according to the report.
But Apple isn’t generally seen as a gaming giant, and many developers and players say that the Mac in particular leaves a lot to be desired compared with Windows computers. While the new app will likely make Apple products easier to use for gaming — and make the category more prominent — testers of the software say it probably won’t change the perception among players and makers of high-end titles.
9to5Mac was the first to report on a possible Apple gaming app. Back in October 2024, the site said the app would host editorial content, integrate with iMessage and FaceTime and offer game demos via the App Clips feature.
Here’s a relevant excerpt from that report:
According to our sources, the app will have multiple tabs, including a “Play Now” tab, a tab for the user’s games, friends and more. In Play Now, users will find editorial content and game suggestions. The app will also show things like challenges, leaderboards and achievements. Games from both the App Store and Apple Arcade will be featured in the new store.
And this:
The app will also promote special gaming events and information about important updates. In addition, Apple is reportedly experimenting with some kind of integration with FaceTime and iMessage in its new gaming app – possibly to help players communicate with each other. The company is also exploring letting developers provide mini games based on App Clips.
The iPhone and iPad are popular devices for mobile gaming, with about two-thirds of the App Store revenue coming from games and in-app purchases.
macOS Sonoma debuts Game Mode
Apple has never been a force in gaming despite trying for years. But switching from Intel to its own silicon has enabled the company to offer developers modern hardware features for their titles.
With macOS Sonoma, Apple debuted a dedicated Game Mode which optimizes gaming performance on Apple silicon Macs. Some of the tweaks Game Mode makes include restricting background tasks, doubling the Bluetooth sampling rate for wireless accessories and prioritizing access to the CPU and GPU.
Apple acquires “Sneaky Sasquatch” developer
Recently, it was revealed that Apple snapped up RAC7, the tiny two-person development studio behind “Sneaky Sasquatch,” one of the frequently featured Apple Arcade games. RAC7 is also behind “Dark Echo” and “Splitter Critters.”
“We love Sneaky Sasquatch and are excited that the 2-person RAC7 team has joined Apple to continue their work on it with us,” an Apple spokesperson confirmed to Digital Trends. RAC7 will continue to function as an internal studio within Apple.