Apple brings a major gaming feature from Mac to iPhone with iOS 18
Apple is bringing a major gaming feature to the iPhone that was previously limited to Macs, the company announced Monday. During its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) 2024 at Apple Park, the tech giant previewed iOS 18, the next operating system for the iPhone. While the keynote focused on improvements to the phone’s customization and the introduction of Apple Intelligence features, the iPhone maker also announced that it will be rolling out Game Mode to the iPhone.
Game Mode on iPhone
According to According to Apple, Game Mode on iOS 18 promises to improve the gaming experience by delivering consistent frame rates. This could potentially be useful during long gaming sessions. It’s a special game mode that minimizes background activity on the iPhone to ensure the CPU and GPU can “deliver high frame rates for hours of continuous gaming,” Apple claims.
Notably, Game Mode was introduced on Mac last June at WWDC 2023 and is now coming to iPhone, too. Apple says it also reduces audio latency with AirPods, while Bluetooth controllers from PlayStation and Xbox also benefit from reduced input latency, making them more responsive. According to Apple, this means “consistent performance without lag or delay, no matter how long you play.”
On Mac, Game Mode works with both existing and new games. It’s unclear whether this will also apply to iPhone, however. Apple says that the feature will be enabled automatically when a game is launched, as opposed to having to manually toggle it on and off each time.
Apple also showed off the addition of personalized spatial audio in Game Mode with iOS 18 for an enhanced audio experience, demonstrating it while playing Need for Speed Mobile, though this feature would only work with AirPods Pro (2nd generation).
AAA games on iPhone
In addition to the special gaming features, Apple also revealed a list of AAA titles coming soon to iPhone. Resident Evil 7 Biohazard is the first title coming to iPhone, iPad, and Mac on July 2. Additionally, Resident Evil 2 has also been confirmed as being in development for Apple devices.
While iPhone availability is unclear, Apple has also announced that games including Sniper Elite 4, Dead Island 2, Control: Ultimate Edition, Frostpunk 2, Valheim and Palword will also be coming to Mac. It’s also partnering with Ubisoft to bring its upcoming action-RPG Assassin’s Creed: Shadows to iPad.
