If you have recently opened the App Store, probably the first thing you noticed is the tab for Apple’s premium gaming service. But, with several subscriptions competing for your money, is it worth it to add one more?
Apple Arcade claims to provide a premium, seamless gaming experience which is totally different from the free-play market. However, does it really live up to its claim?
What is Apple Arcade and why should you care?
Apple Arcade is the premium gaming service of Apple that allows users unlimited access to a selected collection of more than 200 top-notch games. The main highlight? Ads and in-app purchases are both zero.
By installing an Apple Arcade game you are going to enjoy a complete experience—free and non-stop. The operation is flawless on all Apple devices including iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.
The Cost:
In 2025, Apple Arcade costs $6.99 a month in the U.S. (prices can be different based on the region).
- Trial: Those who are new usually get a one-month free trial.
- Hardware Offer: Buying an Apple device usually allows you to enjoy the service for free for three months.
- Apple One: You can also get Apple Arcade when you purchase an Apple One bundle which results in considerable savings if you are an Apple Music or iCloud storage user.
How Apple Arcade is changing the mobile gaming landscape
Apple Arcade isn’t just a bundle of games; it’s a shift in philosophy. For years, mobile gaming has been dominated by “freemium” titles designed to interrupt gameplay with video ads or paywalls to progress.
Apple Arcade flips this model. By relying on subscription revenue, it empowers developers to build complete, artistic, and story-driven experiences without worrying about monetizing every tap.
This approach has successfully attracted:
- Indie Developers: Who can take creative risks (e.g., Sayonara Wild Hearts).
- Legacy Studios: Who bring classic franchises (e.g., NBA 2K, Sonic) to mobile without watering them down.
- Families: Who want a safe environment for kids, free from predatory microtransactions or tracking.
Top 5 games that define Apple Arcade’s appeal
The service has matured significantly, moving from “mobile-only” experiences to console-quality titles. Here are five standout games defining the service in 2025:
1. NBA 2K25 Arcade Edition
The definitive sports experience on mobile. It brings the full “MyCareer” mode and online multiplayer to your phone with impressive graphics that rival older console generations.
2. Balatro+
A poker-themed roguelike that took the gaming world by storm. It’s deeply strategic, dangerously addictive, and perfectly suited for touchscreens. Having this premium indie hit included in the subscription is a massive value add.
3. Hello Kitty Island Adventure
Don’t let the cute aesthetic fool you—this is a robust life-simulation game often compared to Animal Crossing. With constant updates and a massive open world, it’s a “cozy game” masterpiece.
4. Sneaky Sasquatch
The unofficial mascot of Apple Arcade. You play as a Sasquatch trying to blend into human society. It’s hilarious, expansive, and constantly updated with new adventures, from becoming a mayor to working as a paramedic.
5. Sonic Dream Team
A 3D platformer that captures the speed and fluidity of Sonic perfectly. Unlike many other Sonic mobile games, this is a full-fledged, high-budget adventure exclusive to the platform.
Tips for getting the most out of your Apple Arcade subscription
To truly get your money’s worth, you need to use the ecosystem features that set Apple Arcade apart:
- Enable Family Sharing: A single $6.99 subscription covers up to six family members. This is arguably the best value feature, effectively bringing the cost down to mostly nothing per person in a full household.
- Use a Controller: Many Arcade titles (like NBA 2K25 or Sonic Dream Team) support PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch controllers. pairing one instantly turns your iPad or Apple TV into a legitimate game console.
- Play Offline: Heading on a flight? Almost every Apple Arcade game can be played offline once downloaded, making it the perfect travel companion.
- Cross-Save via iCloud: Start playing on your phone during your commute, and pick up exactly where you left off on your Apple TV when you get home.
How does Apple Arcade impact App Store Optimization (ASO)?
For developers and marketers, Apple Arcade presents a unique environment compared to the standard App Store.
Visibility and Discoverability
Games accepted into Apple Arcade get the “red carpet” treatment.
- Dedicated Tab: They live in a separate, high-traffic tab on the App Store, removed from the noise of millions of free apps.
- Editorial Features: Apple heavily promotes these games with banners, “Game of the Day” spots, and curated lists.
ASO Strategies for Apple Arcade Developers
Since user acquisition isn’t driven by ads, the focus shifts to quality and engagement:
- Visual Engagement: With no ads to annoy users, the “preview” videos and screenshots on the product page must promise a high-quality experience.
- Retention Metrics: Apple values how much time players spend in-game. Developers are incentivized to create engaging loops rather than monetization traps.
- Updates: Regular content updates (like new levels or events) are crucial to getting re-featured by Apple’s editorial team.
How does Apple Arcade differ from Google Play Pass?
While both services offer “Netflix for games,” their approaches differ significantly.
| Feature | Apple Arcade | Google Play Pass |
| Exclusivity | High (Many “Arcade Originals” are exclusive to Apple on mobile) | Low (Mostly bundles existing apps you can buy separately) |
| Library | ~200+ Highly Curated Games | ~1,000+ Games & Apps |
| Quality Control | Very Strict (Curated for quality & polish) | Looser (Includes utilities and older games) |
| Device Support | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Vision Pro | Android Phones, Tablets |
| Family Sharing | Up to 6 people included | Up to 5 people included |
Is Apple Arcade worth the price?
At $6.99/month, Apple Arcade is a steal for two specific types of people:
- Families: The ability to share one sub across six people makes it cheaper than buying even one or two premium games a year.
- Mobile Gamers who hate ads: If you value your time and immersion, the “zero-ad” guarantee is worth the price of admission alone.
However, if you only play one specific game (like Candy Crush or PUBG Mobile) and don’t care about trying new things, you might not get full value from the library.
Final thoughts on Apple Arcade
Apple Arcade has successfully carved out a niche for “premium mobile gaming.” It protects players from the worst trends of the industry (ads, loot boxes) while delivering high-quality fun.
For anyone deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem, especially those with Apple One, it is essentially a “no-brainer” addition that transforms your device into a powerful portable console.