Apple plans to launch a dedicated gaming app just days before Nintendo unveils the Switch 2, marking a renewed push to position its devices as serious contenders in the gaming market. The app will debut at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC25) on June 9 and will be preinstalled on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV later this year.
Designed to replace the underwhelming 2010 debut Game Center, the new app will serve as a central hub for game titles, achievements, leaderboards, and player communication. It will also feature editorial content, integrate with Apple Arcade, and offer access to the App Store’s gaming section. A Mac version will support games downloaded outside the App Store.
Reviving Game Center’s Legacy
Unlike Game Center, the new app will integrate editorial content, promote Apple Arcade, and provide quick access to the App Store’s gaming section. According to people familiar with the matter, Apple is also developing a Mac version of the app that can run titles downloaded outside of its official store.
According to Bloomberg, Apple hopes the unified launcher will offer a better experience to gamers and developers, particularly as cloud gaming and dedicated consoles continue to dominate. The iPhone already ranks among the most-used gaming devices globally, with games accounting for nearly two-thirds of App Store revenue through purchases and in-game upgrades.
Developer Push and Broader Software Plans
To boost its credibility in gaming, Apple recently acquired RAC7 Games, a small studio known for Sneaky Sasquatch. The deal, first reported by Digital Trends, signals a broader strategy to build exclusive content and deepen its library.
The app will arrive as part of iOS’s next major update, expected in September. The update will include a redesigned interface called Solarium, new AI features for battery and health tracking, and live translation through AirPods. Apple is also rolling out a revamped Translate app, a bidirectional Arabic-English keyboard, and improved device syncing for hotel Wi-Fi.
9to5Mac previously reported Apple was working on a new games app for an upcoming software release. While Apple declined to comment, internal testers believe the app will improve usability but may not be enough to shift long-standing perceptions, especially among developers who still favor Windows for high-end titles.
Apple’s effort signals a clearer commitment to gaming. But whether this app can close the gap with established platforms remains to be seen.
