If you’re on the App Store and wondering “what is Apple Arcade?“, we’re here to answer that question. Despite a pretty significant ad campaign and the arrival of some classic games, plenty of you are still trying to figure out what you might get from subscribing to Apple Arcade. In this guide, we’ve got all the answers.
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What is Apple Arcade?
Apple Arcade is a gaming service that provides you with access to a massive library of games for a monthly fee. It’s not a streaming service either, which means you can download and play any of the available games you want without worrying about signal or service.
It’s available on both iPhone and iPad and if you’re using iCloud for saved data, you can play the same save files across multiple devices. This is especially useful for games like FM Touch, as you can continue developing your soccer team wherever you are, but it also just means you don’t have to start a new game when moving from device to device.
Considering some of our reviews of Apple Arcade games – just see the strong scores on our Monument Valley 2 review and Gibbon: Beyond the Trees review – it’s definitely worth trying out for any avid mobile gamers. Even if you’ve tried it before, new games arrive every month, so there might be something fresh for you to play on returning.
How much is Apple Arcade?
The price of an Apple Arcade subscription depends on where you are in the world and the local currency. We’ve laid out the pricing structure below, so you don’t have to go to the App Store to find out for yourself. It’s also worth making the point that Apple Arcade is part of the Apple One subscription service, so you might already have access to this library of games without knowing it.
- U.S.A. – $6.99 monthly or $69.99 annually
- Europe – €6.99 monthly or €69.99 annually
- United Kingdom – £6.99 monthly or £69.99 annually
How do I download Apple Arcade?
You don’t have to download Apple Arcade, it resides within the App Store. Still, it’s easy to miss if you don’t know where you’re looking, so we’ve laid out the steps to find all the Apple Arcade games below.
- Open the App Store
- Select Arcade (the fourth option)
- Scroll the games library!
What games are on Apple Arcade?
With the service adding new titles every month, there are plenty of exciting titles available to play. For our personal favorites, we’ve got a list of the best Apple Arcade games. We also have a list of every Apple Arcade game, so even if you’re just thinking about indulging in the service, you can check out what’s playable before making the leap.
Is Apple Arcade worth it?
Whether Apple Arcade is worth it or not depends entirely on how many games you play and whether the library has anything of interest to you. In all honesty, if you’re big into FPS games or MMOs, there isn’t much for you here. However, if you enjoy engaging solo experiences, there’s a lot to dig into, with plenty of puzzle games, adventure games, and even some good old-fashioned card games.
If you’re looking to play a bunch of great games that range from perplexing puzzlers to out-and-out action titles, Apple Arcade is easily worth the $6.99 a month. However, if you only occasionally dabble in mobile gaming or you’re not a fan of any of the titles the service has to offer, you’re better off with our list of the best free mobile games.
What happens if I cancel my Apple Arcade subscription?
After canceling your Apple Arcade subscription, you no longer have access to the games you downloaded as a subscriber. However, the games don’t automatically delete themselves, so if you sign up for Apple Arcade again in the future, all your saved data will be waiting for you, so you don’t have to start all over again in games such as Balatro or Hello Kitty Island Adventure.
Can I get a free trial of Apple Arcade?
New Apple Arcade subscribers can get a one-month free trial of the gaming platform, giving you access to fantastic games like Stardew Valley and Vampire Survivors. However, if you decide you don’t want to sign up for the monthly subscription fee, you need to make sure you cancel your trial before the 30 days are up. The easiest way to do this is to go to your settings, then onto subscriptions, and cancel Apple Arcade from there.
There you have it, our answer to the question “what is Apple Arcade?”. If you can’t currently afford the service, it doesn’t mean you have to stop playing, just check out our picks for the best free mobile games. Or, if you’re looking for some mobile game freebies, check out our Coin Master free spins and free Monopoly Go dice guides.