Apple App Store chief outlines push to make iPhone a gaming platform
Carson Oliver told Polygon that more premium games arrived on the App Store this year than last, alongside a rise in PC and console ports.
Apple is working to build the iPhone and iPad into a full gaming platform, App Store senior vice president Carson Oliver said in an interview with Polygon, as the company courts indie titles and PC and console hits while growing paid games and Apple Arcade together.
Oliver, recently promoted to the role, said more premium games launched on the App Store this year than last year. He added that mobile releases of existing PC and console game series are becoming more active alongside indie titles.
The company has added hardware-accelerated ray tracing, strengthened its Metal graphics technology and offers tools for porting PC and console games to Apple devices, according to 9to5Mac, which reported the interview on October 19, 2026.
Indie Game Week lineup
The App Store Indie Game Week featured seven new and upcoming titles: Sifu, Vampire Crawlers, No Man's Sky, Little Kitty, Big City, 9 Kings, Dome Keeper and Yes, Your Grace 2: Snowfall. No Man's Sky is set to arrive on iPhone and iPad on October 28, 2026.
Oliver also pointed to Balatro as an example of flexible monetization on the store. Apple did not disclose revenue figures or future investment amounts for its premium games push.
Quick answers
When does No Man's Sky come to iPhone and iPad?
No Man's Sky is scheduled for release on iPhone and iPad on October 28, 2026.
Which games were featured in App Store Indie Game Week?
Seven titles were featured: Sifu, Vampire Crawlers, No Man's Sky, Little Kitty, Big City, 9 Kings, Dome Keeper and Yes, Your Grace 2: Snowfall.
Did Apple disclose how much it is investing in premium games?
No. Apple did not disclose revenue figures or future investment amounts for its premium games push.