What is Apple Arcade used for?

Apple Arcade is Apple's game subscription for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV, offering a catalog of games without ads or in-app purchases. It is a good fit for families sharing a games subscription and casual players wanting ad-free mobile games.

How much does Apple Arcade cost?

Paid plans for Apple Arcade start at $6.99 per month, and there is no free plan. A free trial is available.

Is Apple Arcade open source?

No. Apple Arcade is proprietary (closed-source) software and can't be self-hosted. In the Games & Emulation category, open-source options include Sunshine, Proton and RPCS3.

What are some alternatives to Apple Arcade?

Apple Arcade competes with Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus and Nintendo Switch Online.

Apple Arcade: features, pricing and alternatives

About Apple Arcade

Apple Arcade is a subscription service from Apple that gives members access to a catalog of games on their Apple devices. The vendor says games have no ads, no in-app purchases and no interruptions, and they can be played online or offline.

A single membership can be shared with up to five people through Family Sharing, and games are found in the App Store and the Apple Games app. Genres run from puzzles and adventure to sports, and new releases and updates are added regularly. New device purchases and Apple One bundles come with free trial offers.

Apple Arcade is a hosted commercial subscription. The vendor's site lists $6.99 per month, and it is aimed at families and casual players who want games without ads or extra purchases.

Key features

Catalog of games without ads or in-app purchases
Online and offline play
Family Sharing for up to five people
Apple Games app for discovery
New releases and updates added regularly

Good fit for

→Families sharing a games subscription
→Casual players wanting ad-free mobile games

Tags: game-subscription; apple; ios; ad-free; family-sharing; mobile-games

Apple Arcade: questions and answers

What is Apple Arcade used for?: Apple Arcade is Apple's game subscription for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV, offering a catalog of games without ads or in-app purchases. It is a good fit for families sharing a games subscription and casual players wanting ad-free mobile games.
How much does Apple Arcade cost?: Paid plans for Apple Arcade start at $6.99 per month, and there is no free plan. A free trial is available.
Is Apple Arcade open source?: No. Apple Arcade is proprietary (closed-source) software and can't be self-hosted. In the Games & Emulation category, open-source options include Sunshine, Proton and RPCS3.
What are some alternatives to Apple Arcade?: Apple Arcade competes with Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus and Nintendo Switch Online.