Apple Arcade is Apple's gaming subscription service—think Netflix, but for games. For $6.99/month (or bundled into Apple One), you get unlimited access to 200+ games across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. No ads, no in-app purchases, no surprise $99 charges because your kid accidentally bought a "legendary skin pack."
It launched in 2019 with a lot of hype about premium, exclusive games. The pitch was simple: quality over quantity, family-friendly design, and none of the predatory monetization that makes Roblox feel like a second mortgage.
Here's what you actually get:
- Truly offline play - Download games and play on a plane, in the car, wherever
- Family Sharing - Up to six people can use one subscription
- No microtransactions - Ever. This is the big one.
- Privacy-focused - No tracking, no selling kid data to advertisers
- Controller support - Works with Xbox, PlayStation, and other Bluetooth controllers
The games range from puzzle games to adventure titles to arcade classics. Some are Apple exclusives (you can't play them anywhere else), others are "plus" versions of existing games with all premium content unlocked.
Let's be real: Apple Arcade is not going to replace Fortnite or Minecraft in your kid's heart. It's just not that kind of service.
What it does offer is a solid library of well-designed games that don't feel like they're actively trying to manipulate your child's developing brain. Games like Sneaky Sasquatch (a goofy open-world game where you play as a sasquatch causing mischief), LEGO Builder's Journey (gorgeous puzzle game), and Mini Motorways (addictive city-planning) are genuinely fun.
Younger kids (ages 4-8) tend to love it. The games are colorful, approachable, and don't require reading complex tutorials or navigating toxic chat features. Games like Sago Mini and Crossy Road Castle are perfect for this age group.
Older kids and teens? It's hit or miss. If your 13-year-old is deep in the Fortnite ecosystem with their friends, Apple Arcade is going to feel quaint. There's no social component, no voice chat, no battle passes. But if you have a kid who enjoys story-driven games, puzzles, or retro-style platformers, there's real value here.
The Good:
- Fantasian - A gorgeous JRPG from the creator of Final Fantasy (ages 10+)
- What the Golf? - Hilarious physics-based puzzle game (ages 8+)
- Oceanhorn 2 - Zelda-style adventure game (ages 10+)
- Grindstone - Satisfying puzzle combat (ages 9+)
- Alba: A Wildlife Adventure - Wholesome exploration game about conservation (ages 6+)
The Meh: A lot of the library is... fine. Perfectly playable, not particularly memorable. There are dozens of match-3 puzzles, endless runners, and card games that feel like they were designed to fill space rather than create experiences.
What's Missing:
- No multiplayer focus - Very few games have robust online multiplayer
- Limited "big" titles - You're not getting AAA blockbusters here
- Uneven quality - The curation has gotten weaker over time
This is where Apple Arcade genuinely shines. It's one of the safest gaming environments you can give a kid.
✅ Zero in-app purchases - The thing that makes Roblox parental controls so essential just doesn't exist here
✅ No chat features - Can't talk to strangers, can't be harassed, can't stumble into inappropriate conversations
✅ No ads - Not even the "kid-friendly" ads that are actually just trying to get them to download more games
✅ Age ratings - Every game has a clear age rating, though Apple's ratings tend to be pretty conservative
The main "risk" is just time—these games can still be addictive in the sense that they're designed to be engaging. But you're not dealing with loot boxes, dark patterns, or social pressure to spend money.
It's worth it if:
- You have younger kids (under 10) who need screen time options that aren't YouTube or Minecraft
- You're trying to wean your family off free-to-play games with predatory monetization
- You already have an Apple ecosystem (multiple devices, family sharing set up)
- You value offline play for travel
- You want a "set it and forget it" gaming option with zero parental supervision stress
Skip it if:
- Your kids only play multiplayer games with friends
- You don't have Apple devices (obviously)
- Your teens are looking for current, trendy games
- You're hoping for a deep library that gets updated constantly—new releases have slowed down
The real comparison: For the same price as one Fortnite Battle Pass or two months of Roblox Premium, you get unlimited access to 200+ games with zero additional costs. If you frame it that way, it's a steal.
Ages 4-7: Apple Arcade is genuinely great for this age group. Look for games like Sago Mini World, Spyder, and Patterned. The lack of text-heavy interfaces and complex mechanics makes it accessible.
Ages 8-12: This is the sweet spot. Games like Sneaky Sasquatch, LEGO Star Wars Castaways, and Sonic Racing will keep them engaged. You can also introduce strategy games like Mini Motorways.
Ages 13+: It depends entirely on the kid. If they're into indie games, retro gaming, or story-driven experiences, there's value. If they're exclusively playing competitive multiplayer games with friends, this won't replace that social experience.
The family sharing is genuinely useful. Six family members can access the same subscription, each with their own game progress and achievements. This is huge if you have multiple kids or want to play yourself (honestly, some of these games are legitimately fun for adults).
Screen time controls work seamlessly. Since it's all within Apple's ecosystem, you can use Screen Time to set limits on gaming, schedule downtime, and see exactly how much time is being spent in each game.
It's not a replacement for all gaming. If your kid is asking for Fortnite or wants to play with friends online, Apple Arcade isn't solving that. It's a supplement, not a substitute.
The games don't "expire" while you're subscribed. Unlike some services where titles rotate out, Apple Arcade games stay in the library. Once you're subscribed, you have access to everything.
Apple Arcade is a rare thing in kids' gaming: a genuinely thoughtful, parent-friendly option that doesn't feel like it's trying to extract maximum value from your child's attention span.
It's not going to be the only gaming your kids do, but it's an excellent option for younger kids, a solid supplement for tweens, and a way to introduce gaming without the chaos of free-to-play ecosystems.
For $6.99/month, it's one of the better deals in digital parenting. The peace of mind alone—knowing your kid can browse and download games without you worrying about hidden costs or creepy chat features—is worth it for many families.
Try the free trial (usually 1-3 months depending on promotions), see what your kids actually play, and decide from there. If they're still playing after a month, keep it. If the games sit untouched while they beg for more Roblox time, you have your answer.
✅ Start a free trial through the App Store and let your kids explore the library
✅ Set up Family Sharing so everyone in your household can access games on their own devices
✅ Check out this guide to screen time limits if you're using Apple Arcade as part of a broader screen time strategy
✅ Browse age-appropriate games - Search "Apple Arcade" in the Screenwise app to see ratings and reviews for specific titles
✅ Consider bundling - If you already pay for iCloud storage or Apple Music, Apple One might save you money