Apple will create a separate App Store for games - 9to5mac

Apple is developing a marketplace similar to the App Store, but exclusively for games.

According to 9to5Mac, citing reliable sources, Apple's new program will effectively combine the features of the App Store and Game Center in one platform (the latter won't be replaced—rather, the gaming app will be integrated with the Game Center user profile).

The program will feature several tabs, including "Play Now," "My Games," "Friends' Games," and others. It will also showcase game recommendations, tasks, leaderboards, and achievements. The marketplace will offer both games from the App Store and Apple Arcade, while additionally promoting special gaming events and providing information on important updates.

Apple is also experimenting with integrating FaceTime and iMessage into the new app, allowing players to communicate with each other; they are considering enabling the creation of mini-games based on App Clips.

In practice, the marketplace will function similarly to the Xbox app for iPhone, where players can view their status, see friends' activities, discover new games, and check their game library. By developing this new app, Apple likely aims to make its devices more appealing to gamers.

Currently, Apple offers Apple Arcade—a subscription service providing access to several games for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. The platform is integrated with the App Store and costs $6.99 per month. With iOS 18 and macOS 15, Apple introduced new tools to assist developers in porting Mac games to iOS.

It is unclear when Apple plans to launch the gaming marketplace—possibly next year with the iOS 18 update or as part of iOS 19.