Apple is preparing to unveil a new dedicated gaming app at the WWDC developers conference, which kicks off on June 9.

According to Bloomberg, the app, which will be pre-installed on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV later this year, is set to replace the outdated Game Center and become the central platform for all gaming activities within the Apple ecosystem. The official launch is scheduled for September, coinciding with the release of iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16.

What is this app?

The new multi-platform gaming app will allow users to directly launch games, track achievements, participate in leaderboards, read editorial content, and communicate with friends—features similar to those offered by Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. It will also serve as a platform to promote the Apple Arcade service, while including access to all third-party games from the App Store.

Reports indicate that on macOS, the app will support games downloaded outside of the Mac App Store—a rare and potentially groundbreaking move for Apple. Although not yet confirmed, such a feature could signal future support for platforms like Steam, providing Mac users with more options and freedom in accessing video games.

A strategic move for Apple

While the official launch is planned for September—alongside the releases of iOS 19, macOS 16, and tvOS 19—the app's preliminary introduction at WWDC is considered a strategic move. The event will take place just days after the anticipated launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 console, hinting at Apple's growing ambitions in the competitive gaming industry.

The announcement also comes amid news of Apple's acquisition of the independent game studio RAC7, known for the game Sneaky Sasquatch on Apple Arcade. This further underscores the company's intent to make a serious investment in gaming development. Although Apple has long been criticized for its weak support of premium games—especially on Mac devices—the new app appears to be a serious attempt to unify and enhance the gaming experience across all of the company's devices.

What this means for Apple and the gaming community

While all details will be revealed during WWDC 2025, this move is the strongest signal yet that Apple is taking the gaming industry seriously. Whether the new app will be a true breakthrough or simply a pleasant enhancement for users remains to be seen. In any case, it's another step in transforming Apple into a significant player in the global gaming industry.

In addition to the gaming app, WWDC 2025 is expected to showcase iOS 19, the new Solarium interface system, and long-awaited Siri updates within the Apple Intelligence initiative. However, the new gaming app might be the main highlight for many users.