How To Get Apple Arcade For Free (Games, Specs, & More)

By Michael Grothaus

Updated: 11/12/19 - 4 min read

Apple has launched a ton of streaming services in 2019, including Apple Arcade, Apple News+, and Apple Arcade. Out of the three of them, Apple Arcade is probably the best value. The service is kind of like Netflix for iOS games and much of the content it offers has received rave reviews.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Apple Arcade service–including how to get it for free.

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Apple Arcade: What Is It?

It’s Apple’s attempt at a subscription video game service. Apple is working with some of the best mobile video game developers in the industry to bring exclusive games to the market via Apple Arcade.

Currently, the service includes unlimited access to over 100 games and more are being added each week. A big plus for the games available in Apple Arcade is that they contain no ads, no in-app purchases, and all are available to download to your device so you can play them even when offline.

Oh yeah, Apple Arcade games also support the PS4 DualShock 4 controller and Microsoft’s Xbox One controller.

Announcing Apple Arcade earlier this year, Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, said, “The App Store is the world’s biggest and most successful game platform. Now we are going to take games even further with Apple Arcade, the first game subscription service for mobile, desktop and the living room. We are working with some of the most innovative game developers in the world to create over 100 new and exclusive games to play across iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV. Apple Arcade games will be great for families, respect user privacy and will not have ads or require any additional purchases. We think players of all ages are going to love Apple Arcade.”

Apple Arcade: What Games Does It Offer?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95FuVib8mcY

Hundreds–with more being added all the time. Below is just a sampling of some of the Apple Arcade games available now:

Apple Arcade: What Devices Does It Work On?

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Apple Arcade works on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch Apple TV, and Mac. It requires the latest OS for each device, so iOS 13 or higher for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch; tvOS 13 for Apple TV, and macOS 10.15 for Macs.

Apple Arcade: How Much Does It Cost?

Just $4.99 a month, which isn’t a bad deal at all considering the amount and quality of the games you’re getting. And remember, none of these games include ads or in-app purchases. Considering most quality games on the App Store cost $2.99 each or higher, an Apple Arcade subscription that gives you access to over a hundred games a month for only $4.99 is a terrific deal.

Apple Arcade: How Do I Get It For Free?

Apple is offering a free month-long trial of Apple Arcade. You can sign up for the free trial from the Mac App Store on any Mac running macOS 10.15 or on any iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad running iOS 13 or higher.

And check out Does Apple Arcade Cost Money?

And have a look at What Controllers Work With Apple Arcade?

And Is Apple Arcade Worth It?

Michael Grothaus

Apple expert and novelist, Michael Grothaus has been covering tech on KnowYourMobile for the best part of 10 years. Prior to this, he worked at Apple. And before that, he was a film journalist. Michael is a published author; his book Epiphany Jones was voted as one of the best novels about Hollywood by Entertainment Weekly. Michael is also a writer at other publications including VICE and Fast Company.