Apple is working on a new App Store-like app specifically for games

It’s been a month since Apple released iOS 18 to the public, but the company is already working on future software updates. With Apple investing more in gaming, it seems interesting that the company is now working on a new App Store-like app specifically for gaming.

Apple is developing a new gaming hub for iOS

9to5Mac has learned details about the new project from reliable sources familiar with the matter. The new app combines features from the App Store and Game Center in one place. The gaming app is not expected to replace Game Center. In fact, it is integrated into the user’s Game Center profile.

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 can find editorial content and game suggestions. The app also displays things like challenges, leaderboards, and achievements. The new store offers games from the App Store and Apple Arcade.

The app also promotes special gaming events and provides information about important updates. Additionally, Apple is reportedly experimenting with some sort of FaceTime and iMessage integration in its new gaming app – possibly to make it easier for gamers to communicate with each other. The company is also considering allowing developers to deliver mini-games based on app clips.

In practice, the app would work like the Xbox app for iPhone, where players can see their status and their friends’ activity, search for new games, and check their game library. Apple probably wants to make its devices more attractive to gamers with the new app.

Apple currently has Apple Arcade, a subscription service that provides access to multiple games for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. The platform is integrated with the App Store and costs $6.99 per month. With iOS 18 and macOS 15, Apple introduced new tools to help developers port Mac games to iOS.

As for the new gaming app, it’s unclear whether Apple plans to introduce it next year with a future iOS 18 update or as part of iOS 19.

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