Apple is set to launch Game Mode on iOS devices as part of the iOS 18 update, a feature that has long been available on Android since 2021. The new feature was announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on 10 June 2024.
Game Mode promises to elevate the gaming experience on iPhones by minimising background activity, maximising frame rates, and enhancing responsiveness with AirPods and game controllers. This addition is the latest step in Apple’s push to encourage people to play high-fidelity games on their iPhones.
Game developers are already leveraging the new API to integrate advanced sound design into their titles — like Need for Speed: Mobile by Tencent Games and EA coming this fall. In addition, voice quality improvements for in-game chat and streaming deliver 16-bit, 48kHz audio, and support for dynamic head tracking. And AirPods Pro would now deliver the best wireless audio latency for mobile gaming, giving gamers an edge.
Beyond gaming, Apple has also entered the AI race with Apple Intelligence, a personal intelligence system that brings generative models to devices like the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It also announced a partnership with OpenAI, bringing ChatGPT to its devices.
“We’re thrilled to introduce a new chapter in Apple innovation. Apple Intelligence will transform what users can do with our products — and what our products can do for our users,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Apple Intelligence unlocks new ways for users to boost their writing and communicate more effectively. With new systemwide Writing Tools built into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, users can rewrite, proofread, and summarise text nearly everywhere they write, including Mail, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps.