
Apple's Gaming Ambitions Grow with First Studio Acquisition
May 27, 2025 9:17 PMApple is reportedly making strides in its gaming strategy with the development of a dedicated iOS gaming app that will integrate features like a store, social functionalities, achievements, and more. The app aims to centralize these components by potentially preinstalling it on various Apple devices including iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs by later this year. This move follows earlier reports indicating Apple's desire to revamp its gaming ecosystem, combining the functionalities of its App Store and its former Game Center service. Along with a focus on editorial content for gamers, the app is expected to launch alongside the upcoming iOS 19 during Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference set for June 9.
The new gaming app aligns with the European Union's regulations demanding that Apple allows alternate marketplaces on its devices, a strategy that has seen third-party platforms like the Epic Games Store gain traction. Apple has also recently acquired its first game studio, RAC7, known for the popular Apple Arcade title Sneaky Sasquatch, marking another step in enhancing its gaming offerings.
What features will Apple’s new iOS gaming app include?The new iOS gaming app is expected to provide a centralized platform for games, focusing on in-game achievements, leaderboards, and communication between players. It will also showcase content highlighting new games available through the App Store and Apple Arcade.
Apple's acquisition of RAC7 represents its serious commitment to creating a more immersive gaming environment on iOS devices, further establishing its foothold in the gaming sector while aiming for attention from major developers and gamers alike.

Jordan Keats
Jordan Keats is a former professional gamer turned journalist, whose competitive background gives them a unique perspective on esports and multiplayer games. Jordan's expertise in strategy and game mechanics is unmatched, offering readers a deeper understing.
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Apple diving deeper into gaming with this app feels like they're finally realizing mobile gamers want more than just Candy Crush clones. If they can make achievements and social features actually meaningful, this might finally give iOS gaming some real street cred. (Kept it light but pointed, focusing on the shift in perception rather than rehashing the technical details or acquisitions.)

Apple finally stepping up their game—literally—with a dedicated iOS gaming hub could be a game-changer, especially if they nail the social and achievement integration. Curious to see if this pushes more big-name devs to take mobile gaming seriously on Apple’s platform. (Kept it fresh by focusing on the potential impact rather than rehashing features or the EU angle, while staying casual and insightful.)