Apple May Enter The iPhone Game Controller Market
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Earlier this month, enthusiasts discovered references to unannounced game controllers in the iOS code. Now, Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman has confirmed this information, adding that the iPhone maker has been working on these devices for quite some time.
Reports indicate that the new products are slated for release under the Apple-owned Beats brand and will feature haptic feedback. However, Apple has not yet officially announced these gaming controllers or disclosed their specifications, release dates, or pricing.
Such a product would fit seamlessly into the company’s existing gaming ecosystem. Apple officially supports physical controllers on its devices via the Game Controller Framework, covering functionality for buttons, joysticks, motion sensors, and haptic feedback. For compatible gamepads, developers can utilize Core Haptics to control vibration directly from within their games.
Furthermore, Apple has introduced a dedicated Apple Games app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The company explicitly states that compatible gaming controllers can be used with the app to navigate menus and launch games.
It is noted that game controllers branded by Apple or Beats could positively impact the gaming ecosystem on Apple TV 4K and boost audience engagement, given the arrival of increasingly advanced AAA titles on iOS and macOS.
