Apple is developing its own game controller for Apple TV and iOS devices that will launch this year or next, according to claims from one tipster, published on Monday. It is said to be part of a big push to improve Apple Arcade.
The information comes from the same source who accurately predicted Apple’s plans for the 2020 iPad Pro refresh and the second-generation iPhone SE.
Support for game controllers on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV took a big step forward with the release of iOS 13 last fall when Apple added support for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One gamepads for the first time.
This is handy for those who already have PS4 and Xbox One controllers lying around. For those who don’t, however, Apple is said to be developing a brand-new gamepad of its own that could arrive this year.
Apple developing its own game controller
Twitter tipster @L0vetodream, who first claimed on March 8 that Apple was developing its own controller, says in their most recent update that the controller will launch “this year or next year.”
Additional information from 9to5Mac suggests the controller is part of Apple’s plan to “push hard with Apple Arcade going forward.” The plan also includes new Apple TV hardware with “big advancements to graphics power.”
We would typically advise readers to take claims from anonymous Twitter tipsters with a hefty heap of salt. But @L0vetodream’s track record is shaping up to be surprisingly accurate as the year goes on.
The same tipster has correctly predicted details of the 2020 iPad Pro refresh, including the inclusion of a time-of-flight sensor (LiDAR Scanner), and of the new iPhone SE, which they promised would feature an A13 chip for $399.
More to come in 2020
The same source has also claimed Apple’s next-generation iPhone lineup — believed to be named iPhone 12 — will feature slimmer bezels and a smaller notch. Recent leaks are starting to corroborate that information.
They also expect Apple to deliver new entry-level AirPods, a more affordable HomePod, a 12-inch MacBook powered by a custom ARM processor, AirTags, and a next-generation iPad with an A12 Bionic chip this year or next.
