GoKawiilApple developing two Beats-branded game controllers for iPhone
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports Apple is building two game controllers for the iPhone, likely to be sold under its Beats subsidiary rather than the Apple brand itself. The report follows earlier findings by MacRumors of references to two first-party controller devices buried in macOS 26.7 code, even though the products are apparently intended for iOS.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Apple has long used Beats to test lower-priced, less design-constrained products without affecting its premium image, as seen with Beats' iPhone cases and cables. A dedicated controller could signal a bigger push into mobile gaming hardware, potentially boosting Apple Arcade and third-party game support on iPhones.
- Two iPhone game controllers reportedly in development at Apple
- Beats brand likely to handle sales, not Apple itself
- References found earlier in macOS 26.7 code hinted at the devices
Backbone One Mobile Gaming Controller (USB-C) — While Apple and Beats reportedly cook up their own iPhone controllers, the Backbone One is the one you can actually clamp onto your phone today. It snaps around a USB-C iPhone for real sticks, triggers and a D-pad, making cloud streaming and App Store games feel like console play.
See Backbone One Mobile Gaming Controller (USB-C) on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: theverge.com — Terrence O'Brien, 2026-09-13
Published there as: “Apple is reportedly working on iPhone game controllers”
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