Apple’s New Games App: Everything You Need to Know

Apple is finally taking gaming seriously—or at least more seriously than before. At WWDC 2025, it announced a new pre-installed app called Games. If you’ve ever felt that mobile gaming on Apple devices lacked a proper home, this is it. Think of it as a one-stop hub for everything gaming—your game library, social features, updates, challenges, and Apple Arcade—all in one sleek interface.

For years, Game Center felt like a forgotten corner inside your Settings. It had leaderboards and achievements, but no one really opened it. Meanwhile, mobile games have become one of the most popular categories on the App Store. Apple is finally giving them the spotlight they deserve with a full-fledged, dedicated app.

The Games app is coming this fall with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe, and even Apple TV. It will be installed by default, right on your Home Screen.

A Unified Hub for Apple’s Gaming Efforts

The new Games app merges three things: the App Store’s games section, Game Center’s social features, and Apple Arcade. The result is something more cohesive—closer to what Xbox, Steam, or even Nintendo Switch offer in terms of user experience.

Here’s what you’ll find:

• Home tab: Discover new games, check out events, and get personalized updates for the games you play most.

• Apple Arcade tab: Dive straight into Apple’s subscription service, filled with curated indie hits and fan favorites.

• Library tab: See every game you’ve ever downloaded on your Apple ID, all in one scrollable list.

• Play Together tab: See what your friends are playing, compare scores, track achievements, and challenge each other — just like Xbox Live or PlayStation Network.

• Search: Find games from the App Store easily, without the clutter of non-gaming apps.

Game Center Gets a Major Revival Inside the Games App

Game Center was never truly dead, just hidden and underused. Now its key features—friends lists, achievements, and leaderboards—are surfaced directly in the Games app. There is even support for in-game challenges created by developers to make single-player games feel more connected.

On iPads and Macs, Apple is adding a Game Overlay: a floating layer that gives quick access to audio controls, Bluetooth settings, battery level, and chat—without leaving the game.

Apple Fixes Its Biggest Gaming Problem: Discoverability

Mobile game discovery on the App Store is a mess. The Games app addresses that with better curation. It feels more like a storefront made for players, like a mini App Store just for gamers. Tabs are focused. Apple Arcade games are easier to find. You spend less time scrolling and more time playing.

The Bigger Picture: AAA Titles and Studio Buys

This launch is part of Apple’s bigger gaming strategy. It’s been working to bring big AAA titles like Resident Evil Village, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Cyberpunk 2077, and Death Stranding to Mac. And it’s not stopping there — games like Hitman: World of Assassination, Crimson Desert, and InZOI are coming too.

To support this push, Apple even acquired a game studio—RAC7, the makers of Sneaky Sasquatch. It’s a small team, but a big signal that Apple wants to build its own gaming ecosystem, not just rely on others.

A Real Commitment to Gaming

Apple hasn’t always been taken seriously in the gaming world, but that’s clearly changing. From adding Game Mode to Macs and iPhones to improving controller support, and introducing a Proton-like tool for running Windows games on Macs— Apple is finally investing in the right places.

With the new Games app, Apple is doing what it should’ve done years ago: giving games a real home. Whether you play casual mobile games or want to dive into full AAA titles on your Mac, this app is the place to start.

And the best part? It’s already coming to your device this fall with the macOS 26 update — no downloads needed.

Don’t miss these related reads:

• Apple Intelligence Features Unveiled at WWDC 2025