Because of this, the business has a growing sense of homogeneity, particularly in relation to Sony and Microsoft.
That is truer than ever before in this generation since the PS5 and Xbox Series X are almost exact replicas in specifications, with the only real differences being in the subscription pricing and software features. There are also positive aspects to this; gamers can be certain that their gaming experience will be the same across consoles (apart from exclusives).
That said, it’s not exactly a jam-packed arena, and this sector would unquestionably be better off with a new entrant. What better company than Apple, with its decades of ground-breaking technology spanning smartphones, computers, and streaming devices, to rise to the challenge?
What Could Apple Do in the World of Gaming?
One positive aspect is that it’s yet another opportunity to introduce more people to the Apple ecosystem, which is great for those who aren’t eager to spend a tonne of money on the newest Macs or iPhones. Plus, it has one of the fastest and most responsive user interfaces on iOS right out of the box. Apple may follow Xbox’s lead and make certain Mac games cross-platform so users can buy the game once and play it on either their Mac or Xbox.
The tech behemoth from California is also no novice at making video games. In recent years, remarkable improvements have been made to Mac gaming, allowing even the most graphically intensive and technically demanding games, such as Resident Evil Village, to run flawlessly on Apple’s desktops, laptops, and home PCs.
From a gaming perspective, the aforementioned examples show that Apple would have no problem persuading third-party publishers to transfer their games to a custom system. We shouldn’t expect an issue with Apple being level with the competitors in becoming a first-gen system. Exclusive arrangements aren’t out of the question, and the fact that Apple has likely already negotiated with developers and publishers makes the process seem even more streamlined.
The Powerful Apple Hardware
Macs built with Apple hardware are powerful enough to run the newest PC and console games. According to Keppel, Apple has built a platform with “tens of millions of Apple silicon Macs” in only three generations of desktop-class chip architecture. That’s a lot of Macs—tens of millions—with powerful enough CPUs and GPUs to handle graphically intense games.
It is particularly noteworthy that Apple has improved the GPUs on its silicon. Integral to every MacBook Pro model is Apple’s newest silicon, the M3 family of processors, which enables hardware-accelerated ray-tracing and mesh shading—features that didn’t seem to be priorities even a short time ago.
The iPhone 15 Pro is Apple’s newest flagship phone, and it’s marketing itself as a capable AAA gaming companion. Running titles like Resident Evil 4 and Death Stranding, as well as the newest online casino sites in New Zealand, tech enthusiasts were astonished during its presentation with its 120Hz, VRR-capable display. This display helps smooth out fluctuating frame rates for a steadier experience. And doing it in-game without the need for broadcasting. It seems like the possibilities for a home console from Apple are endless if they can pull it off on a phone.
There is no doubt that the hardware is capable. Using both a high-end Mac Studio and the current MacBook Pro, it can run modern games at high resolutions with a frame rate exceeding 100 frames per second. Under some circumstances, they perform better than a large Intel-powered Windows desktop computer equipped with a substantial Nvidia graphics card. Despite its entry-level M3 processor and somewhat lesser RAM capacity, the new iMac performs well while running games like Lies of P, achieving a level of performance on pace with contemporary gaming consoles thanks to Apple’s MetalFX AI scaling.
Before a Gaming Console, Apple Needs Mac Gaming and Games
The Mac’s attractiveness for gaming would be readily apparent if major new titles were constantly released on the platform simultaneously with other platforms. However, the Mac lacks popular, relevant titles. Apple has invested substantially in Apple Arcade. This subscription service provides access to games without advertisements or microtransactions for Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. The roster includes renowned characters such as Sonic the Hedgehog, who just debuted an exclusive, unique 3D adventure in the Arcade series.
But there isn’t a single game on the service that could pass for a $100 smash hit. Most of these titles are exclusive to Windows PCs and consoles; a small number are transferred to Mac in subsequent iterations.
In a departure from the norm, a number of big-name game developers have confirmed Mac and iPhone releases on the App Store, even though this is done after the games have been launched on other platforms.
The subject of how Apple makes money off its investments in gaming-friendly technology and tools is intriguing, given that the firm is betting big that Mac gaming will skyrocket with the release of major titles on day one.
These days, the only issue with Mac gaming is the lack of game support. Indeed, it was an issue in the past, but it coexisted with the absence of specialized software and hardware. I have faith that more titles will release Mac versions soon. That, however, will take time.
Looking back at any given year in gaming, you’ll see that most titles didn’t have a native Mac version. Only a tiny percentage of games produced for PC make an official appearance on Mac, albeit there are notable outliers.
Playing catch-up, Apple is probably trying to woo game developers to make titles for their platform. However, the major gaming push will be in vain until new titles are released for Mac in addition to PC. Any major studio game that comes out on Mac right now seems like a surprise. Game releases on Macs need to appear more regular to become a real gaming destination.
A Real Possibility: Apple Gaming Console
Apple has a track record of collaborating with other companies to port games to the Mac and iOS platforms. Combined with services like Apple Arcade, the firm is in a strong position to join the console market from two angles: the games and subscription service.
Seeing the same three brands dominate the market has become old and testing. The lack of genuine competition results from Nintendo’s continued independence, Sony’s hardware’s probable dominance, and Microsoft’s numerous acquisitions.
For this reason, Apple could be in the greatest position of any firm to design, develop, and launch a brand-new gaming system. First, it has a well-known name, has been around for a while, has expertise in several gaming platforms (PC, mobile, etc.), and provides regular subscription services.
If Apple were to manufacture a console, it would have a chance to provide a more accessible device at a more affordable price point—and it would have to be competitive. With the Apple TV 4K, a multimedia gadget that offers great value for money, Apple has already established a precedent for this.
Apple probably won’t immediately negatively impact Sony’s bottom line. However, Apple’s contributions might be invaluable, especially if they are substantial and innovative.
That might take the shape of a custom controller drawing inspiration from Apple’s rich history of exquisitely tactile hardware (I miss the charming touch-based wheel of the iPod, for example), or it could take the shape of a universal subscription model that covers that multimedia aspect with a single monthly fee and bundles Apple games, music, and movies. If only it could work with your current collection of Mac games, that would be great. Whatever the situation, I think Apple has a great opportunity to shine in the console market.
