It’s been a month since Apple released iOS 18 to the public, but the company is already preparing for future software updates. Interestingly, as Apple invests more in gaming, the company now appears to be developing new apps specifically for gaming, similar to the App Store.
Apple is developing a new gaming hub for iOS
Nine to Five Mac Details about the new project were obtained from a reliable source familiar with the matter. The new app combines the features of the App Store and Game Center in one place. The gaming app is not expected to replace Game Center. It actually integrates with the user’s Game Center profile.
According to our sources, the app will have several tabs, including a ‘Play Now’ tab, a User Games tab, a Friends tab, and more. In Play Now, users can find editorial content and game suggestions. The app also displays challenges, leaderboards, achievements, and more. Games from the App Store and Apple Arcade will be featured in the new store.
The app also promotes information about special gaming events and important updates. Apple is also reportedly experimenting with some kind of integration with FaceTime and iMessage in its new gaming app. Perhaps it will help players communicate with each other. The company is also exploring ways to allow developers to offer minigames based on App Clips.
In effect, the app works like the Xbox app for iPhone, allowing players to check their status, friend activity, search for new games, and check out their game library. Perhaps Apple wants to make its devices more attractive to gamers with new apps.
Apple currently has Apple Arcade, a subscription service that provides access to a variety of games on 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 with the iOS 18 update next year or as part of iOS 19.
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