Apple planning to launch a new App Store just for gaming, working on new Game Centre

Apple is reportedly working on a dedicated gaming app that could shake up how users experience games on its devices. After the release of iPhone 16 and the introduction of Apple Intelligence, the tech giant is continuing to focus on new software innovations.

According to 9to5mac, Apple is planning a separate App Store-like platform solely for games, borrowing elements from both the App Store and Game Centre.

This new gaming app won’t replace Game Centre but will integrate smoothly with user profiles, enhancing the overall gaming experience. It is expected to include several tabs, such as a “Play Now” section, where users can explore editorial content, discover game recommendations, and track challenges, leaderboards, and achievements.

It may also offer games from both the App Store and Apple Arcade, combining premium and subscription-based gaming in one place.

Beyond these features, the app is rumoured to showcase major gaming events and key updates. Apple is also said to be exploring new ways to connect gamers by integrating FaceTime and iMessage into the platform, potentially making it easier for players to chat and coordinate while gaming.

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Developers could even get the chance to create mini-games using App Clips, making the platform more interactive and engaging.

The concept seems to mirror features found in the Xbox app for iPhone, giving users the ability to monitor their gaming activity, manage their libraries, track friends’ progress, and discover new games. With this move, Apple hopes to appeal more strongly to the gaming community, enhancing the appeal of its devices for gamers.

This initiative also follows the ongoing legal battle between Epic Games and Google over app store policies and revenue sharing, a conflict that has had ripple effects across the industry.

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Epic has previously criticised both Google and Apple for their commission fees and restrictions on distributing apps outside their platforms, which could play into Apple’s strategy to diversify its offerings.

Currently, Apple offers its Apple Arcade service, which provides access to a selection of over 200 games for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV Rs 99 per month. In recent updates, Apple has also released new tools for developers to port Mac games to iOS, signalling a stronger focus on expanding gaming capabilities across its ecosystem.

While excitement around the new gaming app is growing, its release date remains uncertain. It’s unclear if Apple plans to launch it alongside an iOS 18 update or if it will debut with iOS 19 in the future. For now, Apple enthusiasts will have to wait and see how this rumoured project unfolds.