Apple’s gaming strategy has always been a quiet one - it’s not building consoles, but every chip it releases makes mobile and cloud gaming more viable. In 2025, Apple seems to be leaning into that idea even further. The company’s upcoming products, powered by the new M5 and A17 Pro chips, could bring console-like experiences to iPhones, iPads, and even Vision Pro. With 17 new products either released or rumored for 2025, Apple’s next wave of hardware is shaping up to redefine how games perform across its devices.
Best Apple Products for 2025
Best Apple Products for Gaming
- M4 MacBook Air
- 11th-generation iPad
- 7th-generation iPad Air
- iPad Air Magic Keyboard
- Mac Studio with M4 Max and M3 Ultra
- iPadOS 26
- iOS 26
- macOS Tahoe
- Apple smart home display (delayed)
- iPhone 17 lineup (including iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air)
- Apple Watch Series 11
- M5 Apple Vision Pro
- M5 iPad Pro
- M5 MacBook Pro
- AirTag 2
- Apple TV (2025 model)
- Wi-Fi access syncing feature (cross-device captive portal login system)
Early 2025 Brought Faster Macs and iPads for Casual and Pro Gaming
Apple kicked off the year with updated iPads and Macs that improve overall gaming performance without changing much in design. The M4 MacBook Air, launched in March, is one of the first laptops to feature the M4 chip. While it’s marketed for portability, the M4’s GPU improvements make it capable of running high-end titles through Apple Arcade or cloud platforms like GeForce NOW and Xbox Cloud Gaming with better thermal efficiency and smoother frame rates.
The 11th-generation iPad received an A16 Bionic upgrade, bringing noticeable gains in performance for games optimized for Metal 3. The 7th-generation iPad Air, powered by the M3 chip, is even more capable - running demanding titles like Resident Evil Village and No Man’s Sky with solid stability. Apple’s decision to bring desktop-grade chips to mainstream tablets continues to blur the line between mobile and console gaming.
For creators and streamers, the Mac Studio with the M4 Max or M3 Ultra offers serious GPU horsepower. While it’s mainly a workstation, the addition of MetalFX upscaling support and game porting improvements makes it a solid machine for developers bringing high-end games to macOS.
Apple’s Software Updates Strengthen Cross-Device Gaming
Apple’s new operating systems (macOS Tahoe, iPadOS 26, and iOS 26) are more than just visual refreshes. The new Liquid Glass interface adds smoother animations and transitions that enhance how games and apps display lighting and depth.
Under the hood, macOS Tahoe brings better compatibility for Windows-based games via Apple’s updated Game Porting Toolkit. It’s part of Apple’s ongoing effort to attract developers to its ecosystem after showing Resident Evil 4 Remake and Death Stranding running natively on Mac at WWDC.
Meanwhile, the unified design and performance optimizations across all Apple devices make it easier for developers to build cross-platform games that scale from iPhone to Mac without major rework - a critical step toward creating a more unified Apple gaming ecosystem.
The iPhone 17 Is Built for Serious Mobile Gaming
The iPhone 17 lineup, launched mid-year, represents Apple’s biggest jump in mobile gaming hardware in years. The A19 Pro chip (exclusive to the Pro models) features a next-generation GPU architecture that supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing - something mobile gamers first saw with the A17 Pro in the iPhone 15 Pro.
Apple claims the iPhone 17 Pro can sustain console-level performance longer thanks to an improved cooling system and efficiency cores. This allows for longer play sessions in games like Resident Evil Village, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, and upcoming AAA ports announced for Apple devices.
The new iPhone Air also deserves attention for its slim 0.22-inch profile and lightweight frame. While it’s not marketed as a “gaming phone,” its A19 chip delivers impressive performance, making it ideal for casual players who want high-end visuals without the bulk of a Pro model.
M5 Devices Could Redefine Tablet and Desktop Gaming
Later in 2025, Apple is expected to roll out its first M5-powered devices - the M5 iPad Pro and M5 MacBook Pro. These chips promise around 12% faster CPU performance and stronger GPU cores optimized for Metal 3, which should further close the gap between Apple silicon and dedicated gaming laptops.
The M5 iPad Pro, expected in October, features dual front-facing cameras for landscape and portrait modes, but the real upgrade lies in performance. For players using external controllers, the new iPad Pro could deliver a near-console experience, especially as Apple continues expanding controller and haptic feedback support in iPadOS.
The M5 MacBook Pro, also expected by year-end, will likely anchor Apple’s gaming ambitions on desktop. Apple has already confirmed its commitment to improving game optimization on macOS, and developers have noted faster compile times and improved GPU allocation in early testing of M5 chips.
Vision Pro Could Find Its Niche in Immersive Gaming
Apple’s M5 Vision Pro, entering mass production in Q3 2025, might finally begin to explore VR and AR gaming in a more serious way. The first-generation Vision Pro had potential but limited gaming support. With better performance, improved controllers, and more developer tools, the M5 Vision Pro could push immersive experiences like No Man’s Sky VR or Job Simulator into Apple’s mainstream hardware ecosystem.
Apple is reportedly partnering with major studios to develop exclusive spatial games that leverage the Vision Pro’s hand and eye tracking capabilities. If those partnerships materialize, Vision Pro might become Apple’s entry point into gaming experiences that rival Meta Quest’s ecosystem.
Accessories and Smart Home Additions
Apple’s 2025 accessories will also influence gaming indirectly. The upcoming AirTag 2 features better wireless precision, which could tie into AR-based games or mixed reality experiences using Vision Pro and iPhone.
Meanwhile, the Apple TV 2025 refresh - rumored to include the A17 Pro chip - may expand Apple Arcade’s reach to TVs with improved frame rates and graphics fidelity. If Apple enables native support for higher refresh-rate displays, it could turn the Apple TV into a lightweight living room gaming hub.
A Broader Strategy for Games on Apple Hardware
Across all its upcoming devices, Apple’s strategy appears to be unifying its gaming performance under a single architecture. By making Metal 3 and Game Porting Toolkit a core part of every platform - from iPhone to Mac - Apple is creating the most consistent performance baseline it’s ever had.
That means studios like Capcom, Kojima Productions, and Ubisoft can build for one Apple platform and deploy to all, cutting down development time and encouraging more native ports. If Apple maintains this momentum, 2025 could be the year gaming becomes a genuine focus for its hardware ecosystem - even without a dedicated console.
Make sure to check out our articles on best gaming gadgets in 2025:
Best Apple Products for Gaming
Best Nintendo Switch Accessories
Best Gaming Androids (phones)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Apple finally taking gaming seriously in 2025?
Yes. Apple has been quietly positioning its hardware and software to handle AAA titles more efficiently. With M5 chips and expanded developer tools, gaming performance is expected to take another big step forward.
Which Apple device is best for gaming in 2025?
The M5 iPad Pro and iPhone 17 Pro offer the best balance of power and portability for gaming. The M5 MacBook Pro will be ideal for players who prefer desktop-level performance.
Will Vision Pro support gaming?
The M5 Vision Pro is expected to support more immersive games and improved controller support, making it more viable for VR and AR gaming.
Can I play PC games on a Mac in 2025?
Yes. With the updated Game Porting Toolkit and Metal 3 optimizations in macOS Tahoe, many PC games can now be translated to run natively or through compatibility layers on Mac.
What’s next for Apple Arcade?
Apple Arcade is expected to expand to more devices, including Apple TV 2025 and Vision Pro, with higher performance targets and more AAA-level content.
