Apple has its own games subscription service as part of the App Store: Apple Arcade.
It offers a host of games to play across multiple platforms for one monthly fee, with the majority of them being “new and exclusive”.
All in-app purchases and downloadable content expansions are included and the list of available titles is refreshed regularly meaning there should always be fresh games waiting to be played.
Here’s everything you need to know about Apple Arcade.
What is Apple Arcade?
Apple Arcade is a subscription service where you get instant access to a large library of games to play across multiple devices for one monthly fee.
The games have been hand-picked by Apple and sit across multiple genres, including family, puzzle, sports, RPG and strategy. There is even a category that suggests games for “beginners”.
Each game is available at no extra cost, with all in-game items and downloadable content included.
It isn’t acloud gaming platform, Microsoft’sCloud Gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, but is more like the mainXbox Game Passservice. You download games entirely to your device and can play them as often as you like.
They also feature cross-save, so your progress on one device will be instantly restored on another should you switch.
Apple Arcade cost
If you’ve ever asked yourself if Apple Arcade is free, ask no more - the quick answer is “no”.
Standalone
There are no additional hidden costs, with no in-app purchasing nor adverts inside Apple Arcade games.
Apple One bundle
Here’s how much each Apple One tier costs at launch:
If you already have an Apple subscription, like to Apple Arcade, you’ll receive a pro-rated refund for any days remaining on your existing subscription(s).
For more details,check out our guide on Apple One.
Apple Arcade Family Sharing
As further icing on the cake, an entire family (of up to six members) can access as many games as they want as part of the same monthly subscription, through Apple’s existing Family Share feature.
Apple Arcade supported devices
Apple Arcade is designed to work on more than justiOS devices.
As well asiPhoneandiPad, you can play the available games on your television through anApple TVset-top-box. They are also available to users of an iMac orMacBook. And,iPod touchowners needn’t feel left out, as it will work on that portable device too.
MFi Bluetooth game controllers are supported by some of the games. Devices runningiOS 13,iPadOS 13,macOS Catalina, and tvOS 13 or above can also be linked to Xbox or PlayStation DualSense controllers viaBluetooth.
Where is Apple Arcade available?
Apple Arcade is available across 150 countries, including the UK and US. Basically, it is available everywhere there is access to the Apple App Store.
Apple Arcade games list
Many of the games available on the service are “new and exclusive” to mobile platforms.
Apple works with a large array of development partners, including Sega, Konami, Lego, Bossa Studios and the Cartoon Network. Each provide games on a regular basis.
The Arcade line-up is hand curated by Apple’s team and have no adverts, ad tracking nor additional purchases. Apple is also contributing to the development costs, becoming a games publisher in its own light.
Here’s a full list of all the games currently on Apple Arcade, for the curious!
How to cancel Apple Arcade
If you’ve been using Apple Arcade - or finding that you’re not using it enough - and you’d like to cancel your subscription, this is quite easy to accomplish. Just follow the steps we’ve laid out below on your iPhone or iPad.
This should leave you with our Apple Arcade subscription cancelled, although you’ll be able to play until the end of the period you’ve already paid for.
