Report: Apple is Working on New Gaming Hub for iOS

Apple is reportedly planning to launch a new gaming hub on for iOS devices. Citing sources familiar with the project, 9to5Mac reported that this new gaming hub will combine the functionality of the App Store with the social features of Game Center. The app may also integrate with iMessage and FaceTime to help iOS gamers communicate with each other.

Apple’s App Store already has a Games section with curated content, and this is also where Apple promotes its Arcade subscription service that provides access to over 200 monthly games for $6.99/month. However, Game Center, Apple’s identity layer with gamification features such as achievements is currently buried in the iOS Settings app.

“According to our sources, the app will have multiple tabs, including a “Play Now” tab, a tab for the user’s games, friends, and more,” 9to5Mac reported. “In Play Now, users will find editorial content and game suggestions. The app will also show things like challenges, leaderboards, and achievements. Games from both the App Store and Apple Arcade will be featured in the new store. The app will also promote special gaming events and information about important updates.”

9to5Mac compared the functionality of the app to what Microsoft’s Xbox mobile app currently offers. The Xbox team recently streamlined its mobile apps and incorporated features from the standalone Xbox Game Pass app into the main Xbox app for iOS and Android, making it the central hub for Xbox gamers on the go.

Apple working on a new gaming hub for iOS is another sign that the company is becoming more serious about gaming. If you look beyond the Apple Arcade subscription service, there’s a growing number of AAA games being released on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. This thanks to more powerful silicon and recent initiatives such as Apple’s Game Porting Toolkit. Notably, Ubisoft’s upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be released on day one on iPadOS and macOS, which will be a first for a game of this caliber.