Apple Arcade Release Date, Price Point & Features

A brand new mobile gaming subscription service, Apple Arcade has a lot to offer to iPhone, iPad and Mac users. Recently announced by Apple at the spring press event, this service is expected to come with a monthly subscription-based fee and has a lot more to offer.

The recent product and service announcements include the News+ premium service and Apple’s TV+ video services, however, Apple Arcade is an entirely new and innovative addition to Apple’s services as it specifically targets gamers and Apple’s gaming community. As for the game library, the collection is said to include games selected by professionals and top creators in the game development community.

A lot of questions have arisen and some have been answered by Apple, while some have stayed as rumors for now. In this article, we have compiled everything that is expected to be a part of Apple Arcade and all the rumors that have surfaced regarding this latest gaming service.

What is Apple Arcade – gaming subscription service?

Although this service includes the tv OS and macOS game, the prime focus of Apple Arcade is to be an app solely for iOS. You can deem it a subscription-based service similar to Netflix but it is for games, not digital content. It is possible to ask for a monthly subscription fee with the inclusion of over 100 games, as what the rumors have stated. Anyway, you need the latest version of MacOS to be sure everything works properly. In case you have macOS update issues or any other troubles – you’ll have to solve them and then enjoy your play.

However, one thing needs to be clear and it is that Apple Arcade might not contain every game that is on the Apple Store. The directory is going to be smaller and limited (approximate 100 games) and then Apple might further extend the library.

Apple has guaranteed to provide users with high standard, premium games that will not be flooded with in-app adverts or purchases. The collection of games will be premium and you will be charged a one-time fee. That is why you should not fret as Apple Arcade will not have any adverts nor will it ask you to make extra payments.

The best part about this service is that it’s not based on a cloud environment instead it will let you download games that you can play offline as well. Another significant addition to Apple Arcade is that, supposedly, you are playing a certain game on your iPhone and you want to access it on your iPad from the progress saved in your iPhone then yes, it is possible with this gaming service. This is expected to be done so using the iCloud account or any other information-sharing tool.

Some Main Features

The Apple Arcade is expected to include the following set of features:

• A directory of over 100 games that will be exclusively available on Apple Arcade.
• Subscription service with no ads and additional purchase
• Family Sharing options that are similar to Apple News+
• Availability on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV along with the option to switch devices.
• A private and secure environment for the users and their data.
• Includes indie games such as Where Cards Fall and Sonic the Hedgehog.

Apple Arcade Release Date

While no specific date has been announced yet, however, Apple Arcade’s launch is rumored to be in autumn 2019. This service is probably to be launched across 150 countries yet but no signs of a definite date is heard from authentic sources or Apple itself.

Apple Arcade Price Point

As for the price of Apple Arcade, the company has not stated any apparent pricing details. However, Apple has released the price tag and all the relevant details about the News+ so we are assuming the subscription fee this gaming service will be out anytime soon.

The revenue generation plan by Apple, as per the reports, suggests the company intends to acquire monthly renewal charges of the subscription service from the users and then divide the revenue earned between Apple and the game creators.

What is the need for Apple Arcade?

Most of you might be wondering that since the Apple App Store already exists then why have the need for this service. Apple has never aimed to turn iOS into a widely used platform for gaming but it somehow became possible. For that reason, Apple has decided to make the most out of iOS game apps and pay heed to quality apps for OS users. This service aims to remove the launches of substandard apps by ensuring quality at all times in game apps.

You can view this notion as a great change and we are sure avid Apple fans are looking forward to seeing what Apple Arcade is going to unveil for them. Developers and game creators would be easily able to put forward their work to the masses and at the same time, find a potential niche market for the games they create.