Apple Develops New App Store Exclusive for Games

The Cupertino giant seems poised to enter deeper into the universe of mobile games. Recent rumors suggest that the Apple is developing a new App Store exclusively focused on games for iOS devices.

According to information obtained by the 9to5Macthis new store would function as a centralized hub for games. Users would not only be able to view their game library, but also interact with friends and access a series of features specific to gamers. It is important to highlight that, according to sources, this new platform will not replace the current Game Center, but will complement existing services.

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A new gaming experience in the palm of your hand

Apple’s new games App Store promises to bring a more immersive and social experience to players. One of the main features would be the “Play Now” tab, which would function as a personalized recommendations page. This feature resembles the home page of popular platforms like Steam, offering suggestions based on the user’s tastes and gaming habits.

Additionally, integration with Apple communication tools such as iMessage and FaceTime suggests a focus on social interaction between players. This could make it easier to form groups, share achievements and even streaming of games between friends.

Contrary to initial speculation, Apple Arcade, the company’s game subscription service, will not be discontinued with the launch of the new platform. In fact, Arcade games, as well as other titles downloaded from the traditional App Store, would be accessible directly through this new hub.

The platform would also include achievement systems, leaderboards, events and challenges, common elements in online gaming communities. This suggests that Apple is targeting not just casual gamers but also a more engaged and competitive audience.

Emulators and the future of games at Apple

One intriguing aspect of this rumor is how Apple will handle emulators on this new platform. Recently, the company released the use of emulators in the App Storewhich sparked discussions about copyright and access to classic games. Although American law does not consider the practice of emulation a copyright violation, access to game ROMs remains a controversial topic.

The development of this new App Store dedicated to games is just another indication of Apple’s growing interest in the mobile gaming market. Recently, the company launched new tools to make it easier to port games from macOS to iOS, demonstrating a commitment to expanding its catalog of titles.

Although there is still no official date for the launch of this new platform — if it is ever launched — it is clear that Apple is moving strategically in the games sector. With an increasingly competitive mobile market, this initiative could solidify the company’s position as a dominant force not only in hardware, but also in mobile gaming distribution and experience.