Apple Arcade review

Apple Arcade ranks third on value and ease of setup rather than library depth. Apple describes it as unlimited access to hundreds of premium games with no ads and no in-app purchases, which matters for parents handing a phone to a child. It costs $6.99 a month or $49.99 a year, and Family Sharing lets up to five other people use the same subscription. Arcade Originals such as Sneaky Sasquatch and Hello Kitty Island Adventure run on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV 4K and Apple Vision Pro, while App Store Greats like Stardew Valley+ run on iPhone, iPad and Apple Vision Pro. Buyers of an eligible new Apple device get 3 months free. The limits: it only runs on Apple hardware, the library is mostly mobile games rather than console releases, and you lose access to the games when you cancel, though iCloud keeps your progress.

Who it is for

iPhone and iPad families

Price

$6.99 per month or $49.99 per year, shareable with up to five family members.

Apple Arcade is $6.99 per month or $49.99 per year.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• Hundreds of games with no ads and no in-app purchases
• Family Sharing with up to five people at no extra cost
• Arcade Originals play across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV 4K and Apple Vision Pro
• Online and offline play across Apple devices
• 3 months free with an eligible new Apple device

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: No ads or in-app purchases in any Apple Arcade game
• Strength: One subscription covers up to six people
• Strength: $49.99 annual plan works out cheaper than paying monthly
• Weakness: Apple devices only
• Weakness: You lose access to the games if you cancel
• Weakness: App Store Greats do not run on Mac or Apple TV 4K

Key facts

• Price: $6.99 a month or $49.99 a year
• Family Sharing: Up to five other people
• Ads and in-app purchases: None
• Devices: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro
• New device offer: 3 months free

Where it ranks

Apple Arcade is No. 3 in our Best Game Subscription Services verdict.