Apple is giving iOS 13 beta participants early access to the much-awaited Apple Arcade ahead of its Sept. 19 launch.
The iPhone maker's new online gaming service is reportedly now live, but it can only be accessed by a few Apple users who signed up for the company's public beta for iOS 13.
Early Apple Arcade Access Via iOS 13 Beta
Bloomberg tech writer Mark Gurman broke the news on Twitter about the Apple Arcade's roll out and even shared a few screenshots of readily available games.
While some social media users were skeptical about the supposed early launch, others later tweeted that they were also able to gain access to the gaming platform through the beta program.
Apple has yet to confirm whether the unexpected Apple Arcade release was intended or not and for how long the service will remain for those who were able to see it.
The company did come out with a press release about Apple Arcade on Monday, which was later retweeted by Apple Senior VP for Worldwide Product Marketing Philip Schiller. This suggests that the move may be done on purpose.
However, it's interesting to note that Apple's statement did not include any mention about the gaming platform's early launch.
Bringing In A New Gaming Experience For Apple Fans
Apple revealed details about Apple Arcade during an event at the Steve Jobs Theater in California earlier this month. The upcoming gaming platform is set for an official launch on Sept. 19, the same day as the iOS 13. It will later make its way to iPadOS and tvOS 13 on Sept. 30 and to macOS Catalina in October.
Fans can subscribe to the new online gaming service for only $4.99 per month, which is roughly the same amount as what many observers expected it would be. First time signees will get a free one-month trial to check out the arcade.
Apple Arcade will allow users to play more than 100 game titles across different Apple platforms, such as the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and even the Apple TV. Video games will be primarily accessed online, but these could be downloaded to devices and played offline. In-game progress could then be resynced to the service once users go online again.
The platform is also compatible with a wide range of dedicated gaming controllers, including the PlayStation's DualShock 4 gamepad and the Xbox's wireless controllers.
Apple has released several game titles slated for the Apple Arcade once it becomes available later this week. These include:
- Assemble with Care
- Bleak Sword
- Card of Darkness
- Cricket Through the Ages
- Grindstone
- Sayonara Wild Hearts
- Mini Motorways
- Where Cards Fall
- Skate City
- Overland
