Apple (AAPL, Financial) plans to roll out a standalone gaming hub app on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV later this year, Bloomberg reports.
The new launcher will replace Game Center and centralize game discovery, in-app achievements, leaderboards and player chat, while surfacing editorial picks and promoting Apple Arcade. It'll be preinstalled across devices and integrate with the App Store's existing game catalog. Bloomberg adds that Apple has already snapped up RAC7—the two-person studio behind Sneaky Sasquatch—to bolster exclusive content.
Apple hasn't commented publicly, but this move underscores its ambition to capture more of the $200 billion mobile-gaming market, where it currently earns roughly 30% of in-app spending. By embedding a dedicated gaming portal, Apple can drive engagement, spotlight premium titles and potentially lift Services revenue—now nearly $80 billion annually.
Investors should care because a unified gaming destination could boost user stickiness and spur higher in-app purchases, while giving Apple more leverage in negotiating with developers.
On a side note, Apple is making it easier for users to fix their own devices. Starting May 29, iPad owners can access repair manuals, genuine parts, and tools through the company's Self Service Repair program. The update includes newer models like the iPad Air (M2) and iPad Pro (M4). Apple also shared updates on its parts distribution program for independent repair shops.
