While iOS 18 has only just been released, Apple is already working on a new application dedicated to games, halfway between the App Store and the Game Center. A way for the firm to strengthen its positioning in mobile gaming and suffice to say that it really needs it.
An “App Store” dedicated to gaming
According to sources from 9to5Macthis new app would combine the features of the App Store and Game Center in one place. It would integrate the user’s Game Center profile and offer several tabs:
- “Play Now”, with game suggestions and editorial content
- A tab for user games
- A friends tab
- Leaderboards, challenges and achievements
Games from the App Store and Apple Arcade would be featured there. The app would also promote special events and inform about important updates.
Social features and game demos
Apple is also reportedly exploring integrations with FaceTime and iMessage, presumably to facilitate communication between players. Another option: allow developers to offer mini-games in the form of App Clips, a type of demo that can be played without installation.
In fact, this app would be inspired by what Xbox already does on iOS, by allowing you to see your status, the activity of your friends, search for new games and manage your library. Objective: to make Apple devices more attractive to gamers.
Launch still unclear
Apple recently introduced new tools to help developers port their Mac games to iOS. But the launch date of this new gaming app remains uncertain. Will it be included in a future iOS 18 update, or will we have to wait for iOS 19?
In any case, this project confirms that Apple intends to capitalize on the success of mobile gaming and better highlight its offering, between the App Store and Apple Arcade. Enough to breathe new life into gaming on iPhone and iPad. To be continued…
