Apple Pre-Installs New Gaming App on Devices

Reports indicate that Apple is developing a new application specifically designed for gaming.

A recent Bloomberg report corroborates rumors circulating since late last year, suggesting the tech giant aims to position itself as a market leader to both gamers and developers. The article also states that more information will be revealed when the app is officially announced at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference on June 9.

It's believed the company intends to pre-install this application on all its new smart devices, including Apple TV, later this year. Functioning similarly to Steam on PC, the app will serve as a central launcher for all games, consolidating in-game achievements, leaderboards, chat features, and other activities, ultimately replacing the existing "Game Center." Bloomberg's sources also suggest a Mac version will be available, allowing users to access games downloaded from outside the App Store.

Although Apple has declined to comment on the current rumors, its acquisition of RAC7 Games, the developer behind Sneaky Sasquatch, certainly adds an interesting dimension to the speculation.

While Apple itself isn't primarily known as a game developer, its devices certainly are. The iPhone is the most widely used device for gaming globally, with premium games and in-game microtransactions accounting for roughly two-thirds of its App Store revenue. However, Bloomberg's sources indicated that this new app likely won't significantly alter the perception among players and developers of high-end games that Mac computers "leave a lot to be desired compared with Windows computers" for gaming.

Apple's new gaming application is expected to launch with the next iOS version, anticipated around September.

If you're curious about the games currently available through Apple Arcade's premium subscription service, we have a comprehensive guide for you.

Apple is currently engaged in a legal dispute with Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite. The battle concerns not only the future of the popular battle royale game on iPhones but also Apple's overall revenue model for gaming on its platform. Last week, IGN reported that Fortnite's return to the iPhone and iPad App Store propelled it to the top of the charts, at least in the U.S. where it became available again.

Fortnite was removed from the iPhone App Store globally in 2020 after Epic Games intentionally integrated its own payment system into the game, bypassing Apple's standard 30% commission. After five years and an estimated $1 billion in lost revenue, Fortnite has finally returned to the platform—with its alternative payment system still intact.