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Apple Arcade
What it is
Apple Arcade is a game subscription service that provides access to hundreds of premium games. Its catalog includes action, puzzle, strategy, adventure, simulation, board, card, and sports titles. Apple says Arcade games contain no ads or in-app purchases, and subscribers can play online or offline on supported Apple devices. Games are available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV 4K, and Apple Vision Pro, although availability varies by game category. A subscription can be shared with up to five family members at no extra cost. Many titles support a game controller, while some Apple TV 4K games require one. Apple says it adds games and content updates to the service. The Apple Games app brings Arcade and App Store games together, with recommendations, challenges, leaderboards, and in-game events. Plans are $6.99/mo or $49.99 per year. Cancelling ends access to Arcade games, though iCloud-enabled progress remains available if you resubscribe.
For and against
For
- Hundreds of games across multiple genres
- Games have no ads or in-app purchases
- Subscribers can play online or offline
- Up to five family members can share a subscription
- Monthly and annual plans are listed
Against
- Subscription cancellation ends access to Arcade games
- Game availability varies by device category
- Some Apple TV 4K games require a controller
The verdict
Apple Arcade offers a cross-device game catalog with offline play and family sharing. Review device availability and the subscription terms, including what happens to access after cancellation.
Who it suits
Apple Arcade may suit people looking for a varied game catalog across Apple devices, including families who want to share a subscription. It also offers offline play for subscribers.
Plans and prices
Apple Arcade monthly
Up to five family members via Family Sharing · hundreds of games
Read 3 Oct 2026 · apple.com
Apple Arcade annual
Up to five family members via Family Sharing · hundreds of games
Read 3 Oct 2026 · apple.com
On the record
- Apple Games app
- The Apple Games app brings App Store and Arcade games together and offers recommendations, challenges, leaderboards, and in-game events.apple.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Controllers
- Many Arcade games support a game controller, and some Apple TV 4K games require one.apple.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Data shared with providers
- Apple provides aggregated, non-personal gameplay data to Arcade content providers to help them assess and improve player engagement.apple.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Family sharing
- A subscription can be shared with up to five family members at no extra cost.apple.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Free offers
- Apple advertises three months of Arcade free with the purchase of an eligible Apple device.apple.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Game catalog
- Its games include action, puzzle, strategy, adventure, simulation, board, card, and sports titles.apple.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- New content
- Apple says new games and content updates are added to Arcade all the time.apple.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- No ads or purchases
- Apple says Arcade games have no ads or in-app purchases.apple.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Offline play
- Subscribers can play games online or offline across Apple devices.apple.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- Apple says Arcade gameplay activity may be used to personalize recommendations, and users can turn off Personalized Recommendations in App Store settings.apple.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Service
- Apple Arcade is a game subscription service with unlimited access to hundreds of premium games.apple.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Subscription limit
- Cancelling a subscription ends access to Arcade games, but iCloud-enabled game progress remains available if the user resubscribes.apple.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Supported Apple devices
- Arcade games can be played on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV 4K, and Apple Vision Pro, though availability varies by game category.apple.com · read 3 Oct 2026
