Apple is Currently Working on a New 'App Store' for Games Only
According to recent reports from credible sources, global tech giant Apple is working on a new App Store designed specifically for gamers.
Here is everything we know about the new dedicated mobile gaming App Store, which will likely include features from the standard App Store and Game Centre.
What is gaming like on an Apple iOS device?
Apple's iOS gaming platform is one of the world's largest for smartphones and tablet devices, and many people who play regularly say that it's the best platform for mobile gaming. The company generates vast annual revenue via third-party games sold through the App Store.
The current App Store is the place to go if you want to find games for your iOS smartphone or tablet. It offers a range of content to appeal to all types of players. The App Store has nearly two million apps (approx. 1.8 million) and nearly half a million (472,000) games.
There's also Apple Arcade, which offers a decent selection of premium games that require a paid monthly rolling subscription (which you can cancel at any time). These games do not have annoying ads or in-app purchases.
You can also find a range of exclusive Apple games that can only be found on the iOS platform. Some of these games are age-restricted, meaning you must be of legal age to download and install the apps to play.
For example, the official 10CRIC online casino арр download option for iOS devices, which also offers sports betting services, has an age restriction. In other words, you must be at least 18 years old to add this app to your device. You can also find age-rated games for 4+, 9+, 12+, and 17+.
What is Apple's rumoured new mobile gaming application store?
The new iOS App Store, built entirely with gaming in mind, is expected to have several tabs, including ones for users' games and friends, and a 'Play Now' section. The latter will allow users to access things like leaderboards, game recommendations, achievements, and editorial content.
There will also be important areas that reveal the latest gaming events and important updates as and when required.
Some have suggested that it will have some of the best bits from Apple Arcade/Game Center and the App Store, plus it is also likely that Apple will integrate iMessage and/or FaceTime.
The new iOS games app may also allow developers to use App Clips to craft mini-games. It will function like the Xbox app currently available on iPhone devices. The official launch date of this new gaming application store has yet to be announced, although details will likely start to filter through over the coming months.
It will be devoted entirely to games but will not replace Game Centre. It will include a range of exciting new features and gaming concepts.
Top games to play on the iOS platform in 2024
If you want to play some exclusive games right now on your iOS smartphone or tablet device that can't be found anywhere else, then you may like to try some of the following titles, which can be found in the iOS-only games section:
- Faster Than Light (FTL)
- Tiny Wings
- Oceanhorn 2
- Resident Evil 4
- Grindstone
- Divinity: Original Sin 2
Other iOS-only games you may also like to check out include Disney Melee Mania, Inside, Pigeon Wings Strike, Ridiculous Fishing, and DEVICE 6. Around 95% of the games and apps on the Apple App Store are free and work well on any iOS device.
If you want more games that aren't exclusive to this platform, you must also check out Fruit Merge: Watermelon Puzzle, Call of Duty: Mobile, Five Nights at Freddy's, Township, and Last War: Survival.
Those who want classic casino table and card games or feature-rich online slot machines (computer-generated and live dealer content), don't forget to check out Live XXXtreme Lightning Roulette by Evolution Gaming, Live Andar Bahar by Ezugi, JetX by Smartsoft, Aviator by Spribe, Idol of Fortune by Play'n GO, Extra Chilli by Big Time Gaming, Cricket Crash by Onlyplay, and Fishin' Frenzy Megaways by Reel Time Gaming and Blueprint Gaming.
Final thoughts
The new App Store with mobile gaming apps for iOS devices will take gaming on this platform to the next level. It will be interesting to see what it looks like, but the actual release date at the time of writing is still anybody's guess.
It will largely emulate the purpose and structure of the current App Store, and the only real difference is that it will focus entirely on gaming. While some have suggested that the new iOS App Store for gaming fans will be part of iOS 19, others have suggested it could arrive sooner and be included in an upcoming iOS 18 update.
