Apple is developing a new app that will serve as a centralized gaming hub across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. According to Bloomberg, the announcement is scheduled for June 9, 2025, during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), with a full rollout expected in September alongside iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16. The new hub will replace the aging Game Center, originally introduced in 2010, offering a modern interface for managing games.

What We Know About the Hub

The gaming hub is designed to be a unified space for gaming content, featuring:

  • Games from App Store and Apple Arcade: Easy access to the full game library, including the $6.99/month Apple Arcade subscription.
  • Achievements and Leaderboards: Track progress and compete with friends.
  • Social Features: Possible integration with FaceTime and iMessage for real-time communication during gameplay.
  • Editorial Content: Recommendations and curated articles from the App Store editorial team.
  • Game Events: Announcements of updates, exclusive offers, and mini-games via App Clips.

The app will be pre-installed on Apple devices. The Mac version will also support games downloaded outside of the App Store — an important feature for desktop gamers. The hub will integrate with existing Game Center profiles to ensure continuity for current users.

Apple’s First Steps into Gaming

Apple is increasingly investing in gaming. The company recently acquired Canadian indie studio RAC7, creators of Sneaky Sasquatch on Apple Arcade. This marks Apple’s first-ever game studio acquisition, signaling a strategic push to grow its gaming ecosystem. The hub will also serve as a platform to promote Apple Arcade, which recently added titles like PGA TOUR Pro Golf and UNO: Arcade Edition.

Rumors about the gaming hub first surfaced in October 2024, when 9to5Mac reported on Apple’s plans for a standalone game store separate from the App Store. The current project appears to be a refined version of that vision, focused on interactivity and social engagement.

Why It Matters

Apple is looking to solidify its position in the gaming market, competing with platforms like Xbox and PlayStation. The new hub will simplify access to games and boost engagement — especially in the wake of the Nintendo Switch 2 launch set for early June 2025. Support for AAA games like Resident Evil Village on the iPhone 16 Pro and Apple Silicon Macs shows the company’s serious intentions in gaming.

However, some users remain skeptical. Without major investment in exclusive titles, the hub could be perceived as just an improved version of Game Center. The project’s success will depend on the quality of content and Apple’s ability to attract leading game developers.

What to Expect at WWDC 2025

WWDC, which runs from June 9–13, 2025, will be a major event. In addition to the gaming hub, Apple is expected to unveil iOS 19 featuring an enhanced Siri and new "Apple Intelligence" features, along with updates across all platforms. Over 1,000 developers will attend in-person sessions at Apple Park focused on gaming, AI, and new development tools.