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 brand new gaming app will debut – resembling Xbox Game Hub – which will be the central place for games from the App Store and Apple Arcade. In addition, 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 won't be something you need to download yourself from the App Store. According to reports from Bloomberg and 9to5Mac, it will be 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 catalog. We're talking about a full-fledged entertainment center with:
a "Play Now" tab with recommended titles
an overview of your games and friend statuses
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’s a deliberate comparison – the interface is expected to be modern, fast, and adapted to various screens.
Response to Nintendo Switch 2 and Netflix with games
Although Apple is not officially talking about 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 the "let's do it our way" style – focusing on quality, privacy, and complete content control.
One thing is for sure – for gamers, Apple TV needs an update. Current models won't get the most out of games like Resident Evil Village or Assassin’s Creed Mirage. A new set-top box with a better GPU is reportedly already planned for 2025. And this could be the missing piece of the puzzle.
If you're thinking about gaming on a large screen – it's worth checking out our ranking of the best OLED TVs from this year's sale. Gaming on OLEDs is in a whole different league.
Apple acquires the creators of Sneaky Sasquatch
In the background of the app's debut – the first acquisition of a game studio in Apple's history. 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 continued support for the title. Officially – it’s a one-time collaboration. Unofficially – it could be the beginning of a bigger openness to developers and original IP.
The new app is set to be unveiled this June, alongside iOS 19, iPadOS 19, macOS 15, and tvOS 19. Is Apple finally entering the game seriously? Everything points to yes.
