Web Desk 
Jun 24, 2024
In a surprising twist at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, Apple announced that a popular feature from MacOS Sonoma, Game Mode, was making its way to the iPhone with the iOS 18 update.
Apple's mention of Game Mode during the event was brief and somewhat overshadowed by the unveiling of other iOS 18 features and the rollout of Apple Intelligence. Nonetheless, Game Mode promises to be a welcome addition for iPhone gamers, whether they experience it in the fall or sooner through the iOS 18 public beta, expected in July.
Enhanced gaming experience
Apple’s Game Mode is designed to optimise the gaming experience on the iPhone. By looking at its performance on the Mac, we can anticipate similar functionality on the iPhone. On MacOS, Game Mode prioritises the game being played, granting it the highest access to the CPU and GPU, thereby reducing background activity. This approach is likely to be mirrored on the iPhone, utilising its system-on-chip architecture.
Additionally, Game Mode doubles the Bluetooth sampling rate, effectively reducing input and audio latency for wireless accessories such as game controllers and Apple AirPods. This enhancement should also apply to the iPhone, ensuring smoother gameplay, more responsive controllers, and improved audio quality.
User-controlled activation
When activated, Game Mode will enable games to run smoother for longer durations, improve controller responsiveness, and enhance headphone sound quality. However, a significant trade-off is that background activities will slow down or halt, making major downloads impractical during gameplay. Fortunately, Game Mode must be manually activated, allowing users to choose when to utilise this feature.
Boost for Apple arcade and game streaming
The introduction of Game Mode on the iPhone will be particularly beneficial for subscribers of Apple Arcade, Apple's game streaming service. It will also facilitate streaming Xbox games on the Game Pass app, delivering console-like quality even on older iPhone models.
Gaming focus at WWDC 2024
WWDC 2024 showed a surprising focus on gaming, with announcements that both Assassin's Creed Mirage and Assassin's Creed Shadows will be playable on Macs and iPads. While the iPhone did not receive the same level of attention, the inclusion of Game Mode is expected to elevate Apple's phones, including the forthcoming iPhone 16, in the rankings of the best gaming phones.
In conclusion, Apple's decision to bring Game Mode to the iPhone underscores its commitment to enhancing the mobile gaming experience. As gamers await the full rollout of iOS 18, the promise of smoother gameplay and improved performance is likely to generate significant anticipation and excitement.
