Apple's New Gaming App to Be Pre-Installed on All Smart Devices This Year

According to recent reports, Apple is working on a brand-new, game-centric application designed specifically for the gaming community. This development comes as Apple aims to strengthen its presence in the competitive gaming market and offer users a more immersive and centralized gaming experience across its ecosystem.

The information was revealed by Bloomberg, reinforcing earlier rumors from the end of last year that suggested Apple is actively trying to position itself as a serious contender in the gaming industry—both for players and developers alike. The tech giant is expected to officially unveil this new app during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), scheduled for June 9.

Sources indicate that the new app will be pre-installed on all upcoming Apple devices, including the Apple TV, later this year. Much like Steam on PC platforms, it’s set to function as a unified launcher for games, consolidating features such as in-game achievements, leaderboards, social chat, and other interactive elements. It will also replace Apple’s current "Game Center," offering a modernized and feature-rich alternative.

In addition, Bloomberg reports that a version tailored for Mac computers is likely to be released, enabling users to access games downloaded outside of the App Store and further expanding Apple's reach in the gaming space.

While Apple has not officially commented on the rumor, it has recently acquired RAC7 Games, the studio behind Sneaky Sasquatch. This acquisition may signal a deeper strategic move into the world of gaming, though no formal statements have been made.

Though Apple isn’t traditionally seen as a powerhouse in the gaming sector, its hardware—especially the iPhone—is widely used for mobile gaming. In fact, around two-thirds of the revenue generated from the App Store comes from premium games and in-app purchases. Despite this, Bloomberg’s sources note that the company still faces an uphill battle in convincing gamers and developers that Macs are viable alternatives to Windows machines for high-end gaming experiences.

It’s anticipated that Apple’s new gaming app will launch alongside the next major iOS update, expected to roll out in September. This could mark a pivotal shift in how Apple approaches gaming and user engagement moving forward.

For those curious about the variety of titles available through Apple Arcade’s premium subscription service, we've got you covered with a full breakdown of the latest games and exclusive content available to subscribers.

Meanwhile, Apple remains locked in a high-profile legal dispute with Epic Games over the distribution and monetization of Fortnite on iOS devices. Last week, IGN reported that following its return to iPhones and iPads, Fortnite quickly climbed to the top of the App Store charts in the United States, where it had just been re-released after a multi-year absence.

Fortnite was removed from the iOS App Store globally in 2020 after Epic Games intentionally introduced a direct payment system into the game, bypassing Apple’s standard 30% commission fee. After five years and more than $1 billion in lost revenue, Fortnite has finally returned—with its alternative payment method still intact, sparking renewed debate over Apple’s control over digital transactions within its ecosystem.