What is Apple Arcade? That's what we're here to explain, as while Apple's gaming subscription service has been around for a little while now, a lot of iPhone users still don't know exactly what it is or how it works. If that includes you, don't worry; just keep reading, and we'll give you the full lowdown on Apple Arcade and whether it might be worth checking out.
For more help with apps and making your mobile work for you, check out our iPhone update, how to delete contacts on iPhone, and how to delete apps on iPhone guides. Or, if you want to check out our thoughts on this gaming platform six years after it first launched, see our Apple Arcade review.
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
As with any other subscription service, it's possible these prices could rise in the future. If that happens, we'll be back to update the information.
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 through the games library!
Alternatively, with the introduction of Apple's Games app, you can find new Apple Arcade titles there. The app puts more of a spotlight on new games or games recommended based on your current library, so it's worth checking out.
What games are on Apple Arcade?
With Apple Arcade adding new titles every month, there are plenty of exciting titles available to play. Across the Pocket Tactics team, we've all got our personal favorite Apple Arcade games, ranging from the indie smash-hit card game Balatro to the cozy life sim Hello Kitty Island Adventure, so you can be sure that you'll find something to suit your tastes no matter what sort of games you like to play.
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?
If you're a new user, you're entitled to a free one-month trial of Apple Arcade. Unfortunately, that doesn't apply to returning customers, so even if you used the service once, years ago, you can't get another free month. You can get around this by using a fresh Apple account and a different payment option than what you originally signed up for, but it's a lot of effort.
Can I get a discount on Apple Arcade?
Unfortunately, while there is a way to get a free trial of Apple Arcade, you can't get a discount on the subscription service. However, you can sometimes get free months from other subscription services or when buying a new Apple device, so be sure to look out for that in your phone contract or when picking up a new iPhone.
That was our Apple Arcade explainer. 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.