May 28 2025 – Apple is set to unveil a standalone gaming application as part of its upcoming iOS 19 release this fall, marking a significant shift away from its 13-year-old Game Center service, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
The new gaming app is expected to make its debut during Apple’s WWDC keynote presentation on June 10 (Beijing Time), just a week before Nintendo’s highly anticipated Switch 2 hits the market. During the event, Apple is likely to spotlight enhancements to its App Store ecosystem and deeper integration with its subscription-based gaming service, Apple Arcade.
While the app is positioned to boost the visibility of Apple Arcade, it aims to be an all-encompassing platform for third-party games currently featured in the App Store’s gaming section.
Gurman has revealed that the cross-platform app will come pre-installed on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV devices. Key features include:
A unified achievement system and global leaderboards.
A dedicated “Play Now” section offering game recommendations and strategy guides, alongside editor-curated content.
A clear distinction between App Store games and Apple Arcade subscriptions.
The ability to track game progress for titles downloaded outside the Mac App Store.
A social tab for managing gaming friend lists.
Echoing a similar report from 9to5Mac last October, the dedicated gaming app will feature multiple tabs, including “Play Now,” “Games,” and “Friends.” The “Play Now” section will highlight game recommendations, tips, and showcase challenges, leaderboards, and achievements.
Developers will have the opportunity to leverage App Clips technology to offer game demos, while users can expect to receive notifications about gaming events and major updates. Additionally, Apple is reportedly exploring integration with FaceTime and iMessage within the new app, potentially fostering a more interactive gaming community.
