Apple Arcade is a gaming service that provides users with access to a library of games for a monthly fee. One way to enjoy this service without cost is through the free trial offered by Apple. New users can sign up for Apple Arcade and use the service for one month without paying. This trial allows full access to the entire catalog of games, giving users the opportunity to explore everything Apple Arcade has to offer.
To extend the free experience further, Apple provides an additional offer. Customers who purchase a new Apple device are eligible for three months of Apple Arcade at no extra charge. This offer is redeemable only once per Apple ID and is contingent upon not having previously accepted an Apple Arcade free offer. With the redemption of this offer, users can continue to enjoy the variety of games available on the service across their Apple devices.
1. Free Trial for New Subscribers
Apple offers a free trial period for Apple Arcade to new subscribers. This is typically a 1-month free trial, allowing you to explore the entire game library before deciding whether to continue with a paid subscription.
How to get it:
- Open the App Store on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV
- Navigate to the Apple Arcade tab
- Tap “Try it Free”
- Sign in with your Apple ID and confirm
Note: This offer is generally available “for new subscribers only,” so it won’t work if you’ve previously used Apple Arcade (source: Apple Discussions).
2. Get 3 Months Free with New Apple Device Purchase
One of the best ways to get extended free access is by purchasing a new Apple device.
What you get: 3 months of Apple Arcade for free when you buy a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or Mac (source: Apple Arcade, Apple Offers).
How it works:
- Purchase any new qualifying Apple device
- Set up the device with your Apple ID
- Look for the Apple Arcade offer in the App Store
- Activate your 3-month free period
3. Halfbrick Promotion (Limited Time)
There’s currently a promotion where you can get a free month of Apple Arcade through gaming company Halfbrick.
How to get it:
- Visit the Halfbrick website promotion page
- Fill out the form (related to their Bluey game)
- Receive a promo code via email for one free month
- Redeem the code in the App Store
This offer works for “both new and returning subscribers” (source: MacRumors), making it valuable even if you’ve used Apple Arcade before (source: Reddit iOS Gaming).
4. Carrier Promotions (Verizon)
Some mobile carriers include Apple Arcade as part of their premium plans.
Verizon Unlimited Plans:
- Certain eligible Unlimited mobile plans include Apple Arcade at no extra cost
- Check if your current Verizon plan includes this benefit
- Contact Verizon or check your account to see available options (source: Verizon Support)
5. Family Sharing
If someone in your family already has Apple Arcade, you can access it through Family Sharing:
Requirements:
- Be part of an Apple Family Sharing group
- The family organizer or another member must have an active Apple Arcade subscription
- Use the same Apple ID family group
How to set up:
- Ask the family organizer to enable Family Sharing
- Once added to the family group, Apple Arcade will be available on your devices
Important Tips
- Timing matters: Set reminders before free trials end to avoid automatic billing
- Cancel anytime: You can cancel during the free period and still retain access until the trial expires
- Device compatibility: Ensure your devices support Apple Arcade (iOS 13+, iPadOS, tvOS 13+, macOS Catalina+)
- Stack promotions: You might be able to use multiple promotions in sequence (like a device purchase offer followed by a carrier promotion)
What You Get with Apple Arcade
With any of these free access methods, you’ll get:
- Unlimited access to 200+ premium games
- No ads or in-app purchases
- Play across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV
- Offline play capability for most games
- Family sharing for up to 6 people
Remember to explore the full library during your free period to determine if the subscription is worth continuing after your free access ends!
Key Takeaways
- Apple Arcade offers a one-month free trial to new users.
- Purchasing a new Apple device qualifies for three free months of Apple Arcade.
- Offers are redeemable once per Apple ID and extend access to Apple’s game library.
Accessing Apple Arcade
Apple Arcade opens a world of premium games on Apple devices. Subscribers can enjoy gaming without ads and in-app purchases, making it a seamless experience. The following subsections break down how to get started, what free options are available, and what subscribers need to know to maximize their experience.
Eligibility and Sign-Up Process
Apple Arcade requires an Apple ID to sign up. New users can start with a one-month free trial. They must have a device such as an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV running iOS 13, iPadOS 13, macOS Catalina, or later. To begin, users navigate to the Apple Arcade tab in the App Store and select the trial option.
Exploring Free Access Options
There are ways to experience Apple Arcade without a monthly fee. One method includes a promotion offering three free months with the purchase of a new Apple device. Another option is Apple One, a bundle including Apple Arcade with other services. For family groups, up to six members can share the service through Family Sharing.
Utilization and Management
After subscribing, it’s essential to manage the subscription properly. Users can set App Limits through Screen Time on iOS to control time spent in games. To avoid unwanted charges, they need to cancel the subscription before the free trial ends. This is done by going to their Apple ID subscription settings.
Maximizing the Gaming Experience
Gamers can maximize their time with a variety of games suited to different play styles. They can go on adventures, solve puzzles, or enjoy strategy and sports games. Many games also feature controller support and are playable online or offline.
Benefiting from Apple Subscriptions
Subscribers get value from a flat monthly fee. Families benefit through sharing the subscription without worrying about additional costs. With no in-app purchases or ads, the focus stays on gaming. Plus, every month brings new and upcoming games to the library.
Exclusive Game Features
Apple Arcade offers exclusive games known as Arcade Originals. This includes titles like “What the Golf?”, “Fantasian”, and “Crossy Road Castle”. Games are handpicked, catering to all generations and skill levels.
Apple Arcade and User Privacy
Apple places a high priority on user privacy. Subscribers can trust that their data is safe as Apple Arcade does not feature ads and does not engage in data sharing with third parties for the sake of advertising.
