Apple Arcade in 2025: Is It Worth the Subscription?
Toggle Dark Mode
Apple Arcade launched back in 2019 as Apple’s “Netflix for games.” At first, it felt a bit experimental: a small library of premium-style titles, no ads, no in-app purchases — and a lot of question marks about long-term value.
Six years later, not much has changed. While there are now over 250 games, it runs on everything from the iPhone to the Vision Pro, and it’s integrated into Apple’s subscription bundles, the gaming service remains far from the mainstream.
That may leave you wondering if Apple Arcade is worth paying for in 2025 when there are so many other subscription services, free-to-play games, and even Netflix Games competing for your attention. Let’s break it down.
The Biggest Reasons Apple Arcade Is Worth It in 2025
No Ads and No In-App Purchases — Ever
If you’ve spent any time in the regular App Store, you know how bad mobile gaming can be, with ads, currency packs, energy timers, loot boxes, and “limited-time offers” popping up every few minutes.
Apple Arcade takes all of that away. Every title is fully unlocked with your subscription. You don’t have to worry about buying extra coins or gem packs, and you don’t have to watch ads to open a chest. At the beginning, Apple repeatedly emphasized that Arcade games are ad-free and contain no in-app purchases, and that’s still true in 2025.
For families, this is huge. You don’t have to worry about kids accidentally spending $50 on skins, and you don’t have to micromanage Screen Time settings just to block shady in-app purchases. For adults, it’s simply a less stressful way to play, and you can even enjoy some of the great App Store classics with all the extra stuff stripped out.
One Subscription, All Your Apple Devices
Apple Arcade is tightly tied into Apple’s ecosystem by design. A single subscription covers up to six people through Family Sharing, and you can play on:
- iPhone
- iPad
- Mac
- Apple TV
- Apple Vision Pro
While not every title supports every one of Apple’s devices, what’s most important for those that do is that you aren’t stuck to a single device. You can start a puzzle on your iPhone while you’re going to work, and finish it on your Mac when you go back home.
If you’re already living in the Apple ecosystem, Apple Arcade might be a great purchase for you and your family.
The Library Is Better Curated Than Before
A common complaint at launch was that Apple Arcade felt like a mixed bag. There were some fantastic hits that could be lost among a sea of more forgettable titles. That’s still somewhat true — no service is perfect — but the overall quality has gone up.
You now get a mix of Apple Arcade Originals, which are games built specifically around Apple’s platform, and game editions for Apple Arcade, which are premium App Store titles with all DLC and in-app purchases available.
Is every game a hit? Definitely not. But the odds of downloading something decent on your first try are much better here than jumping blind into the free-to-play App Store games.
A Safer, Easier Choice for Kids
From a parent’s perspective, Apple Arcade is one of the lowest-maintenance ways to let kids game on iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. Why? Because you get:
- No third-party ads trying to track them.
- No manipulative in-app purchases for skins or gems.
- Content curated under Apple’s guidelines and ratings system.
You should still use Screen Time and parental controls, of course, but you’re starting in a safer environment, especially compared to some “free” games available on the App Store.
Offline Play for When You Want to Game on the Go
Most Arcade titles can be downloaded and played offline after installation. That might not seem like much, but it’ll be a game-changer if you travel a lot or live with someone who has spotty Wi-Fi.
Some modern games require you to be connected at all times, which can drain your battery even faster and even consume your data plan for no reason. But with the chance to play online, you won’t have to worry about it.
This is also a huge advantage compared to other gaming alternatives like PS Remote Play, which require a strong Wi-Fi connection to work properly.
The Downsides of Apple Arcade in 2025
Of course, the service isn’t perfect. There are a few reasons someone might be disappointed if they subscribe with the wrong expectations.
Apple Arcade Is Still Not a Home for Hardcore AAA Gamers
Even in 2025, Arcade is mostly “premium mobile and indie-style” content. With a few exceptions, you won’t find AAA games or the latest console releases.
That’s not to say that Apple Arcade doesn’t have some extremely high-quality titles. Fantasian, by Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, became such a hit that it was later spun off from Apple Arcade to consoles as Fantasian: Neo Dimension, and NBA 2K26 Arcade Edition is a respectable port of the console version. However, if your idea of gaming is Elden Ring, Call of Duty, or other big live-service titles, Apple Arcade isn’t for you.
Of course, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any console games on the iPhone, but you will need to pay extra to play them.
You Don’t Own Anything
This one applies to most subscription services, but it’s still worth repeating. If a game leaves Apple Arcade, your access goes with it. There’s no option to buy and keep the game.
The same goes for when you cancel your subscription. You won’t own or keep any game you play. All of them are gone, no matter how long you’ve been a subscriber.
Apple doesn’t remove titles often, but it does happen. If you care about long-term ownership or like revisiting single-player games years later, that subscription model can feel limiting. For those players, buying select premium games directly on the App Store or another platform might make more sense.
Some Games Still Feel Like Phone Games
Even with higher-quality releases, parts of the library still have that look and feel of a mobile game. Because not everyone has a physical controller, most have simpler mechanics or touch-centric controls that don’t always translate perfectly to Mac or Apple TV.
That’s not inherently bad; plenty of people want lighter, simpler experiences. Not only that, but there are still some solid games that will be challenging and have more complicated mechanics. But if you’re expecting every Arcade game to feel like a full-scale console title, then you’ll be disappointed.
New Releases Have Slowed Down
This is probably one of the biggest downsides of Apple Arcade, and it’s an issue that has existed since its introduction.
Apple continues to add a few new games every month, but don’t expect to be flooded with major new releases. The good news is that many people online agree that, while title releases are slow, the quality of the games has improved.
In other words, Apple seems more selective now. That’s good for curation, but if you love the thrill of constant new content, the service won’t be as exciting.
You Have To Be All-In on Apple
Finally, Apple Arcade only works on Apple devices. There’s no Android or Windows app, and no Smart TV integrations outside Apple TV hardware.
If your household is a mix of iOS and Android, or if you do most of your gaming on a Windows gaming laptop or Steam Deck, Arcade becomes more of a niche extra than a central subscription.
Who Apple Arcade Is Great For in 2025
So, who actually gets the most out of Apple Arcade? This service is ideal for people with kids who are part of the Apple ecosystem. The lack of intrusive ads and in-app purchases makes it a great way for your kids to play without you having to worry about what they see or might buy.
Further, if you’re a casual gamer who likes trying new and exciting mobile games every month, this subscription is for you. Most of the titles are fun, charming, and, although simple, they’ll bring a good challenge for regular gamers.
Last but not least, if you’re comfortably living deep in the Apple ecosystem and don’t have any consoles or a gaming PC, Apple Arcade is a great way to scratch the gaming itch, no matter where you are. Starting a game on your Mac and continuing to play where you left off on your iPhone feels like magic — and it makes gaming incredibly easy and fun.
Who Should Probably Skip Apple Arcade
On the other hand, there are clear groups who won’t get much out of a subscription. People who are hardcore gamers or want a really challenging game might want to skip this service. Sure, you’ll enjoy some titles, but if you want a more challenging experience, you won’t be satisfied at the end of the day.
Additionally, if you want to own the games you play, you’ll need to skip Apple Arcade. It’s unfortunate, but that’s the way most subscription-based services work nowadays. So if you love a game, you might be better off buying it elsewhere if possible.
So, Is Apple Arcade Worth Subscribing to in 2025?
The short answer is yes for many people, but not everyone. Apple Arcade remains one of the most consumer-friendly gaming subscriptions around. You get a bunch of games, tons of fun, and you can play from anywhere at any time. Plus, with over 250 titles, you’ll surely find the games you love, or some hidden gems you didn’t know you needed to play.
With all of that said, Apple Arcade is not really a replacement for a gaming console. It won’t be enough for more serious gamers or people who love playing harder challenges. Not to mention that if you’re not all in on the Apple ecosystem, you might not make the most out of the service.
You also don’t need to choose between this and a dedicated game console. For many, Apple Arcade works best as part of an Apple One bundle. Since the bundle’s savings can outweigh the standalone cost of Arcade, you can easily keep this service as a stress-free side dish to your main gaming habits without feeling the monthly pinch.
At the end of the day, it all depends on who you are and what you want from the subscription. The good news is that if you’ve never subscribed to Apple Arcade before, you can get a free trial to test the service before you make a bigger commitment. So try it out and see for yourself how much you like it.
