Apple is apparently working on a new App Store just for gaming apps

Apple is reportedly working on a new store dedicated for gaming apps only, which will merge features from App Store and Apple Arcade.

In Short

• Apple working on dedicated gaming app.
• Includes 'Play Now' section for recommendations.
• Release date still unconfirmed

After the launch of the iPhone 16 series, Apple has not stopped working to update its software. Currently, the tech giant has a lot on its plate, starting with Apple Intelligence coming to town this month. That being said, the company is doing something over and above. In iOS18, we witnessed several revamped apps and the rumour has it that in the future, it will release an App Store-like app only for games. According to a report by 9to5mac, Apple is working on a dedicated games app. The new rumoured app will pick up features from both the App Store and Game Centre. This gaming app will not replace Game Centre but will integrate with users' Game Centre profiles.

New iOS games app

The app is expected to have several tabs, including a “Play Now” section, along with tabs for the user’s games and friends. In the Play Now area, users can access editorial content and game recommendations, as well as view challenges, leaderboards, and achievements. It might feature games from both the App Store and Apple Arcade.

Additionally, the app will highlight special gaming events and important updates. Apple is also experimenting with integrating FaceTime and iMessage into the gaming experience, potentially facilitating player communication, according to the report. The rumour has it that it will allow developers to create mini games using App Clips.

Overall, the yet-to-be announced app is designed to function similarly to the Xbox app for iPhone, letting users check their gaming status, friends' activities, discover new games, and manage their game library. Apple aims to enhance the appeal of its devices to gamers through this new offering.

This comes after the Google vs Epic games lawsuit. The ongoing dispute between Google and Epic Games centers on app store policies and revenue sharing. Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, challenged Google (and Apple) over their commission fees and restrictions on app distribution.

Currently, Apple offers Apple Arcade, a subscription service that grants access to various games for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV, integrated with the App Store for $6.99 per month (around Rs 580). With the release of iOS 18 and macOS 15, Apple has rolled out new tools to assist developers in porting Mac games to iOS.

Regarding the new gaming app, the release date is still unclear. There is no official information concerning the new gaming app. It is such a distant idea that it is uncertain whether Apple intends to launch it with an upcoming iOS 18 update or as part of iOS 19.