Report: iOS 19 to include new app dedicated to gaming

Last October, 9to5Mac exclusively reported that Apple was developing a dedicated app for video games that would exist separately from the App Store.

Bloomberg has now corroborated that report and says the app will launch as part of iOS 19 later this year.

Today’s report from Bloomberg aligns with our original report on many of the app’s features. The app will serve as a central place for things like achievements, leaderboards, and more, and serve as a replacement for Game Center. It will also highlight App Store content, as well as integration with Apple Arcade.

The report adds that the gaming app will also come to the Mac, with the ability to “tap into games downloaded outside of the App Store.”

Here are some additional details on the app from our October report:

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. 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. In addition, Apple is reportedly experimenting with some kind of integration with FaceTime and iMessage in its new gaming app – possibly to help players communicate with each other. The company is also exploring letting developers provide mini games based on App Clips.

Just earlier today, it was reported that Apple had acquired RAC7, the game studio behind the hit Apple Arcade title Sneaky Sasquatch.

Apple will announce iOS 19, macOS 16, and more at WWDC next month. The event kicks off with a keynote presentation on June 9.

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