Apple has no intention of scrapping iMessage games — despite some of the rumors you might be reading online this week.
Stories surrounding the supposed move started trending on Twitter, causing some fans to freak about the feature’s removal. But at no point has Apple stated that it will close the iMessage App Store.
Believe it or not, iMessage apps have become huge for some iPhone and iPad users. They can make every day conversations more fun, and quick multiplayer gaming sessions easier than ever.
One popular iMessage title is GamePigeon, which offers 20 different games — including favorites like 8-ball pool — that can all be enjoyed right inside the Messages app with other iOS users.
According to some, all of this is about to disappear. But you shouldn’t always believe what you read online.
iMessage apps going nowhere
The rumors started surfacing on Monday evening, with some social media users claiming the iMessage App Store will be closed on September 25 — a seemingly random date plucked from nowhere.
Some say that Apple is “deleting it” due to the impending launch of Apple Arcade, which will make iMessage games redundant … apparently.
they deleting it cause, they are bringing a bigger platform called “Arcade” in the app store, so no more use for imessage games #imessage
— € (@blvknative) September 2, 2019
Others suggest the decision is the result of recent iMessage vulnerabilities.
#imessage has had 3 (I think) vulnerabilities in the last couple months, but people are freaking out about Apple removing games on a device where you have access to thousands of games.
Focus on the real problem, y’all.
— Cashew Screws (@kasinasa) September 2, 2019
It’s not completely clear how the rumor started, but it quickly went viral, sending “iMessage” trending on Twitter. And plenty of people believed the story.
Wait they’re deleting games??? But I love playing that uno type game thoooo #imessage
— Aastha Shakya (@aurafeels) September 2, 2019
apple getting rid of imessage games ?? hello ? how else am i supposed to get my crushes numbers without being slick ? #imessage
— (@IoveIyrem) September 2, 2019
first the earbud jack. then the home button. now the games. eventually they're not even gonna have a phone and theyre gonna charge you 15,000 dollars for air and your still gonna buy it u apple clowns #imessage
— Rocky Walter (@RockyWalter3) September 2, 2019
But don’t be fooled. Apple hasn’t indicated at any point that it plans to close the iMessage App Store, and sources for 9to5Mac confirm that it is going nowhere.
It makes no sense
iMessage apps and games are still present in the iOS 13 and iOS 13.1 betas, which should be rolled out to everyone this month, and developers can still build for the iMessage App Store.
It makes no sense for Apple to kill the service. It’s another source of revenue for the company, and it has become increasingly important since its introduction in 2016.
Apple offers its own iMessage apps for things like Apple Pay, Business Chat, and more. It will also add Memoji stickers in iOS 13.
