Apple is reportedly working on iPhone game controllers
Apple is developing two game controllers for the iPhone under the Beats brand, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and recent macOS code discoveries.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Apple is reportedly developing two game controllers for the iPhone
- The gaming accessories are expected to be sold under the Beats brand
- References to the first-party devices were uncovered in macOS code
Technology giant Apple is reportedly working on dedicated game controllers designed for the iPhone, with plans to release the hardware under its subsidiary brand Beats, according to industry reports.
Rumors regarding Apple entering the gaming controller market have circulated for quite some time. However, speculation turned into concrete clues last week after MacRumors discovered references in the software code of macOS 26.7 pointing to two first-party game controllers.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Although the code snippets were spotted within macOS rather than iOS, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman asserts that the hardware accessories are specifically engineered for use with iPhones.
Furthermore, Gurman notes that executives from Beats are spearheading the development of this product. Apple frequently leverages its subsidiary brand to experiment with unfamiliar product categories and compete at lower price points without diluting the upscale image of its core flagship lineup.
Utilizing the Beats brand for gaming accessories represents a calculated strategic move. Beats traditionally carries a lifestyle and youth-oriented cultural identity that aligns smoothly with mobile gamers. This approach also grants Apple the flexibility to market products at more accessible price points by omitting the expensive materials typically found on standard Apple hardware.
"A controller makes sense in that context. To reach a broad audience, it has to be relatively affordable, which means avoiding some of the more expensive materials and finishes typically associated with Apple products."
Mark Gurman
Beats has previously ventured outside its core audio ecosystem by offering a lineup of iPhone cases and USB-C cables that deviate from traditional Apple design principles, making a gaming controller a logical extension of that strategy.
Source: The Verge
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