GoKawiilApple developing first-party iPhone game controllers, likely under Beats brand
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports Apple has spent over a year building its own gamepads for iPhone, following code found in a macOS 26.7 release candidate. Two versions are in development, differing in motion sensors and haptics, both featuring a standard layout with D-pad, dual sticks, shoulder buttons and triggers. Beats executives are reportedly leading the project, hinting the controllers may launch as Beats accessories rather than Apple-branded products.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Apple has never made its own game controller, relying instead on third parties like 8BitDo and Backbone to support iOS gaming. Launching under Beats gives Apple room to test hardware pricing and design without risking its premium brand image, while also signaling a deeper push into gaming accessories as a growing revenue category.
- Apple has been developing iPhone game controllers in-house for over a year, per Gurman.
- Two hardware variants exist, differing by motion sensors and haptic feedback support.
- Beats' leadership on the project suggests a Beats-branded launch rather than an Apple-branded one.
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Published there as: “Apple's secret iPhone game controllers could launch under the Beats brand”
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