"Activate Apple Arcade Free Trial in 2025: Guide"

Modern mobile gaming has been evolving for nearly two decades, transforming from basic time-killers into rich, console-quality experiences that fit right in your pocket. Today’s mobile gaming scene is more expansive than ever, driven largely by free-to-play titles vying for player attention through aggressive monetization tactics.

In 2019, Apple Arcade entered the stage with a different vision: to offer a premium alternative with a curated selection of games free from ads and in-app purchases. Since its launch, it has steadily grown into one of the most compelling gaming subscription services available, offering hundreds of high-quality titles all included under one monthly fee.

Read on for a comprehensive overview of Apple Arcade, including must-play games, compatible devices, and how to start your free trial.

Does Apple Arcade Offer a Free Trial?

1 Month Free

Apple Arcade

1See it at Apple
Yes, Apple Arcade provides a generous 1-month free trial for new users who want to explore the service. Better yet, if you purchase a qualifying Apple device—such as an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV—you're eligible for three months of Apple Arcade completely free.

What Is Apple Arcade?

Launched in 2019, Apple Arcade arrived amid widespread frustration over low-quality mobile games and exploitative microtransactions. Instead of following the standard model, Apple introduced a Netflix-style subscription service packed with over 200 games—all free from ads and in-game purchases.

Over the past six years, Apple has steadily expanded its catalog, adding critically acclaimed titles such as Balatro, Vampire Survivors, Dead Cells, and Stardew Valley. The service also revives enhanced versions of classic mobile hits like Angry Birds, Temple Run, and Jetpack Joyride.

Explore the Full List of Apple Arcade Games

Discover the best games available on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV with this sortable list of Apple Arcade titles. Easily track, rate, and review your favorites. Updated through April 2025.

[See All] Katamari Damacy Rolling Live – Bandai Namco
Space Invaders Infinity Gene Evolve – Taito
Sesame Street Mecha Builders – StoryToys Entertainment Limited
The Game of Life 2 – Marmalade Game Studio
RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic – Origin8
puffies. – Lykke Studios
Crazy Eights: Card Games – MobilityWare
Piano Tiles 2 – Cheetah Mobile Inc.
Doodle Jump 2 – Lima Sky
My Dear Farm – HyperBeard

What sets Apple Arcade apart is its deep integration within Apple's ecosystem. With a single subscription, you can play across multiple Apple platforms—including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and even Apple Vision Pro. Whether you prefer touch controls or a physical gamepad, Apple Arcade supports a wide range of controllers, from dedicated mobile controllers to popular options like the DualSense and Xbox Wireless Controller.

As an Apple-exclusive service, your progress syncs seamlessly via iCloud, letting you switch between devices without losing your place. Plus, with Family Sharing, your subscription can be shared with up to six family members, making it a great value for households.

How Much Does Apple Arcade Cost?

1-Month Free

Apple Arcade

0$6.99 at Apple
After the trial period, Apple Arcade is priced at $6.99 per month. Alternatively, you can opt for an annual plan costing $49.99 per year, though this requires manually switching your subscription after signing up for the monthly version.

To change your plan, go to your Apple Account settings, tap on Subscriptions, select Apple Arcade, and choose the annual option.

How to Use Apple Arcade – Supported Platforms

Apple Arcade is accessible on virtually every modern Apple device, including:

• iPhone
• iPad
• Mac
• Apple TV
• Apple Vision Pro