Apple is developing a new gaming app

Apple is making its most serious bet on the video game market in years – the company is developing a new gaming app to replace the unpopular Game Center. It will come pre-installed on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV and will be a one-stop hub for gamers.

Apple’s new Game Center is all in one place

According to Bloomberg, Apple’s new platform will combine achievements, leaderboards, friend activity, communications and editorial game selections. The app will also feature selections from the App Store and a separate section dedicated to Apple Arcade, a $6.99-a-month branded subscription. What’s more, on the Mac, the app will support third-party games downloaded from outside the App Store, a rare move for Apple.

Away from the competition: Google is still in chaos

Google Play Games, Google’s closest competitor, suffers from problems synchronizing progress, achievements, and cloud saves between Android and PC. The situation is further complicated by third-party accounts and ecosystems offered by the developers themselves.

The situation is also complicated by third-party accounts and ecosystems offered by the developers themselves.

If Apple can provide a stable and seamless integration, the Cupertino-based company may force Google to rethink its strategy in gaming.

Google and Samsung have resources – but lack cohesion

Google has all the resources to compete: a huge audience, partnerships in cloud gaming, a diverse catalog of games, and Android-OEM manufacturing facilities. But Google Play Games remains unfinished. Samsung has Game Hub, too, but it’s limited to a catalog of installed games and offers no achievements or cloud saves.

Samsung has Game Hub, too, but it’s limited to a catalog of installed games and doesn’t offer achievements or cloud saves.

If Apple’s new app is well received, other market giants may have to rebuild their gamer platforms.

It won’t be a revolution – but it’s an important step

According to Bloomberg, early testers don’t think the app will change Apple’s reputation in the gaming world instantly. Still, it’s a key step, especially if Apple plans to grow its AAA gaming ecosystem.

The new gaming app is expected to launch alongside iOS 19 and the next-generation iPhone this September.