Apple Games: iOS 26 includes new app to put all your gaming needs in one place as Public Beta set to land next month

Apple has finally decided to step up its gaming efforts by bringing a new dedicated gaming app this fall for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Called Games, this new app aims to merge Game Center, an existing app with the games section of the App Store.

The app is in developer beta and will officially launch this fall on iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26-running systems. According to Apple's Newsroom, a public beta for Games app is set to start next month; among other features, it will allow users to get access to friend lists, chats and similar social interaction features, and important options and settings without having to leave the game. Games like Crimson Desert and Sims-like InZOI will be coming to the Mac later this year, along with other titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Lies of P: Overture, and Hitman: World of Assassination. Apple has been trying to give a warmer-than-before welcome to games for the last few years; perhaps Games will eventually become a powerful counterpart to Microsoft's Xbox apps that come with every Windows 10 and Windows 11 installation.

You can sign up for public betas of Apple's upcoming OSs allowing you to test the new Games app first-hand at beta.apple.com.