Apple is leveling up its gaming efforts in a major way. At WWDC 2025, the company didn’t just announce a few new features—it unveiled a full-on evolution of its gaming ecosystem. From a redesigned hub for all your games to a fresh wave of Arcade titles, this summer marks one of the most significant updates to Apple’s gaming strategy since the launch of Apple Arcade in 2019.
The All-New Apple Games App
Launching this fall alongside iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe, the Apple Games app will serve as the central gaming hub across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. This all-in-one app is designed to replace Game Center and streamline your gaming experience, regardless of which platform you’re on.
Key Features:
- Apple Arcade Integration: Access your entire Arcade library right from the app, including downloads, game info, and progress sync across devices.
- Game Storefront + Recommendations: Browse trending App Store games, curated picks, and personalized suggestions.
- Built-in Game Center Tools: See friends’ activity, track achievements, view leaderboards, and issue multiplayer challenges—all within a slick new overlay UI.
- Play Together Tab: Inspired by Xbox and PlayStation ecosystems, this tab highlights games your friends are playing and makes multiplayer connections seamless.
- Universal Overlay: A floating overlay lets you interact with Game Center features—like chats or stats—without ever leaving your game.
This app is Apple’s answer to modern gaming ecosystems like Steam, Xbox Game Pass, and even PlayStation Network. It also aligns closely with Apple’s broader goal of unifying software design under the new “Liquid Glass” interface across all platforms.
Nine New Titles Expand the Arcade Library
Just ahead of WWDC, Apple rolled out a June 5 Apple Arcade update that added nine new titles—pushing the catalog well past 200 games. It’s one of the biggest drops in recent months, with a mix of casual hits, family favorites, and even a spatial title for Vision Pro users.
Notable additions:
- UNO: Arcade Edition
A souped-up version of the classic card game with online multiplayer, customizable rules, and themed card decks. - Angry Birds Bounce
A vertical brick-breaker twist on the iconic franchise, featuring power-ups, slingshot mechanics, and physics-based level destruction. - WHAT THE CAR? (Vision Pro Exclusive)
A quirky, surreal racer built for Vision Pro, letting you race through dreamlike environments in a spatial 3D world. It’s one of the few Arcade titles made explicitly for Apple’s spatial computing headset. - LEGO Hill Climb Adventures+
A fusion of LEGO charm and the physics-based fun of Hill Climb Racing, perfect for younger players or nostalgic adults. - Lost in Play+ and Helix Jump+
Premium reimaginings of popular App Store hits, offering ad-free, enhanced gameplay tailored for Arcade subscribers.
This lineup shows Apple’s dual strategy: build premium exclusives for its Arcade service while pushing deeper into family-friendly, cross-generational titles. With support for offline play, controller compatibility, and cross-platform sync, these new additions offer much more than your average mobile game.
Bigger Picture: Apple’s Gaming Strategy in 2025
Apple is positioning itself more aggressively in the gaming space—not just by adding content, but by unifying the gaming experience across its devices. The Games app reflects a long-overdue modernization of Game Center and could make Arcade more discoverable and usable for everyday players.
And with more developers working on Vision Pro experiences, we’re likely to see spatial gaming become a defining new genre on Apple platforms.
TL;DR
- New Apple Games App launching this fall with iOS 26 – replaces Game Center and combines Arcade, App Store, and social features in one seamless hub.
- Nine new Arcade games added June 5, including UNO: Arcade Edition, Angry Birds Bounce, and Vision Pro exclusive WHAT THE CAR?
- Apple is clearly investing in gaming more seriously than ever—making 2025 a transformative year for Apple Arcade.
Apple Arcade Cost
Apple Arcade has made a name for itself in the world of mobile gaming. It’s a subscription service offered by Apple that gives users access to an evolving collection of games. For a fixed monthly fee, members can play any game within the Arcade’s selection on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV devices. This service, introduced with iOS 13 and tvOS 13, focuses on providing a diverse library of games without additional in-app purchases or advertisements.
The cost of Apple Arcade is of interest to those looking for a comprehensive gaming experience on their Apple devices. Users can opt for a monthly subscription at a set price, or save by choosing an annual plan. Sometimes, special promotions are available, such as an extended free trial period when purchasing a new Apple device or when bundled with other Apple services through the Apple One subscription package.
Apple Arcade costs $6.99 per month in the U.S.
You also have the option to pay $49.99 annually, which is a bit cheaper in the long run.
New subscribers can typically get a one-month free trial. If you purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV, you may receive three months of Apple Arcade for free.
Additionally, Apple Arcade is included in the Apple One bundles, which combine several Apple services for a single monthly price.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Arcade provides a subscription-based gaming library for a variety of Apple devices.
- The service offers a monthly or yearly payment option, with potential savings on the annual plan.
- Promotions may include extended trials or the option to bundle with other Apple services for additional value.
Understanding Apple Arcade Subscription
Apple Arcade offers users unlimited access to a curated game library without ads and in-app purchases. The service is accessible across various Apple devices and supports family sharing.
Pricing and Plans
Apple Arcade’s subscription is available for $4.99 per month. Users can also opt for a $49.99 annual plan, which saves money over the monthly fee. Apple One bundles include Apple Arcade starting at $15 per month, the package combines different Apple services into one.
Subscription Benefits
Subscribers to Apple Arcade enjoy unlimited access to a growing collection of over 200 games. They can play a variety of genres like puzzle, adventure, and action. Games such as Sayonara Wild Hearts, Monument Valley, and Dead Cells highlight the service’s quality.
Available Content
The service features App Store Greats like Monument Valley 2 and Timeless Classics including Chess – Play & Learn. Developers like Konami, LEGO, and Cartoon Network offer games on this platform.
Device Compatibility and Access
Apple Arcade is available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. Many games support MFi controllers and touch controls. This makes it easy to play games the way users prefer.
Family and Multi-User Features
Family Sharing allows a single subscription to extend to up to five family members. Each family member can play their own games and track individual progress. They won’t disrupt each other’s experience.
