Ignacy Giżyński
iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV with a new game launcher – and the first acquired studio in the background
Apple is preparing something that could redefine gaming in their ecosystem. In 2025, a completely new gaming application will debut – resembling the Xbox Game Hub – which will serve as a central place for games from the App Store and Apple Arcade. On top of that, there is the acquisition of the first development studio. Coincidence? Not necessarily.
Gaming hub like Xbox. Apple focuses on its own ecosystem
The new gaming app from Apple will not be something you have to download separately from the App Store. According to reports from Bloomberg and 9to5Mac, it will be factory pre-installed – on every iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV with the latest system. In other words: you get the device, turn it on – and play.
And what will you find inside? Apple is preparing something more than just a regular game catalogue. We are talking about a fully-fledged entertainment centre with:
a "Play Now" tab with recommended titles
an overview of your own games and friend status
full integration with Game Center – achievements, leaderboards, challenges
support for iMessage and FaceTime for communication between players
Sounds like a mix of Apple Music and Xbox Game Pass? That is an intentional comparison – the interface is set to be modern, fast, and tailored for various screens.
Response to Nintendo Switch 2 and Netflix with games
Although Apple is not officially discussing the cloud, this move looks like a direct response to the growing ambitions of Nintendo (Switch 2 is already on the way) and Netflix, which is increasingly investing in mobile games. The new Apple app may be a response in a "let's do it our way" style – focusing on quality, privacy, and complete control over content.
One thing is certain – for gamers, Apple TV needs an upgrade. Current models will not get everything out of games like Resident Evil Village or Assassin’s Creed Mirage. A new set-top box with a better GPU is reportedly already in the plans for 2025. And this could be the missing piece of the entire puzzle.
If you are thinking about gaming on a big screen – it’s worth checking our ranking of the best OLED TVs from this year's sale. Gaming on OLEDs is a whole different league.
Apple buys the creators of Sneaky Sasquatch
In the background of the app's debut – Apple's first-ever acquisition of a game studio. The company has brought on board RAC7, a two-person team known for the hit Sneaky Sasquatch. The game available on Apple Arcade was one of the symbols of this service. Apple has confirmed the acquisition and promises further support for the title. Officially – it is a one-time collaboration. Unofficially – this may be the beginning of a larger openness to developers and original IP.
The new app is set to be unveiled in June, alongside iOS 19, iPadOS 19, macOS 15, and tvOS 19. Is Apple finally taking the gaming industry seriously? Everything suggests so.
