Apple to Pre-Install New Gaming App on All Smart Devices This Year

Apple is reportedly developing a new, dedicated gaming app aimed at enhancing its presence in the gaming market. According to a recent report from Bloomberg, this move aligns with rumors circulating since late last year that suggest Apple is actively positioning itself as a serious contender in the gaming space. More details about the app are expected to be revealed during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference on June 9.

The tech giant is said to plan for this new gaming application to come pre-installed on all upcoming devices—including the Apple TV—later this year. Much like Steam on PC, it will serve as a centralized game launcher, consolidating features such as in-game achievements, leaderboards, and chat functionality, effectively replacing the current "Game Center." Bloomberg also notes that a Mac version of the app may be released, enabling users to access games downloaded outside the App Store.

Although Apple has not officially commented on the report, the company recently acquired RAC7 Games, the developer behind Sneaky Sasquatch. Whether or not this acquisition ties into the rumored gaming platform remains unclear.

Apple is reportedly designing a new game-focused app dedicated to gaming. Photo by CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images.

While Apple isn’t traditionally seen as a dominant force in gaming hardware or software development, its ecosystem plays a major role in mobile gaming. The iPhone remains one of the most widely used platforms for gaming globally, with nearly two-thirds of App Store revenue coming from premium games and in-app purchases. However, sources cited by Bloomberg believe the introduction of this new app likely won’t shift perceptions among gamers and developers who still see Windows-based PCs as superior for high-end gaming compared to Mac computers.

It’s anticipated that the new gaming app will launch alongside the next major iOS update, expected around September.

In other gaming-related news, Apple continues to face legal challenges from Epic Games over payment policies and the future of Fortnite on iOS. Recently, Fortnite returned to iPhones and iPads in the U.S. after a five-year absence, quickly rising to the top of the App Store charts. The game was removed back in 2020 when Epic introduced a direct payment system within the app, bypassing Apple’s standard 30% commission fee. After years of legal battles and over $1 billion in lost revenue, Fortnite is back—with its alternative payment method still intact.