Apple has been granted a new patent for what looks like a handheld gaming controller. The company has been actively working to bring new AAA gaming titles for iPhones, iPads, and other devices. The new patent hints that Apple could be preparing for a console to compete against Steam Deck, ROG Ally, MSI Claw, and other popular handheld gaming devices.
Apple’s New Gaming Controller Patent
Apple’s new patent reveals that the company is working on a console that would directly attach to an iPhone or an iPad. The concept appears similar to the Nintendo Switch and the ASUS ROG Phone, where you can attach a joystick and a D-pad to a large display.
Images further show that this setup could come with a stand to support larger devices like the iPad Pro. With iPads getting more powerful and featuring chips like the Apple M4, it makes sense for the company to utilise this prowess for gaming capabilities.
The patent also mentions that this game controller will be able to sync with Apple TV. It will allow users to connect their device to a larger display or a TV, similar to what we can do with the Nintendo Switch and other gaming controllers.
In typical Apple fashion, the company has not officially confirmed any details yet. However, Apple’s ambitions in gaming have been steadily rising as the company announced several game-related plans at the WWDC 2024 earlier this year.
This is a patent, and Apple could choose not to ship this product to consumer markets. Companies usually hold thousands of patents as intellectual property. Apple has already made a big move with the Apple Vision Pro and is expected to focus heavily on its headset and AI integration across iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
Despite featuring one of the most powerful processors in the market, Apple’s devices are generally not preferred by desktop gamers due to a lack of game compatibility.
The rise of mobile gaming has already grabbed the attention of players of PUBG Mobile, COD Mobile, Genshin Impact, and other popular titles. Many users have shifted to iPhones and iPads instead of their Android counterparts. Hence, gaming could be Apple’s next big thing.
