Apple iPhone gaming controllers are reportedly in development, and the company is said to be considering an unexpected choice for their branding. Rather than releasing the accessories under its own premium name, Apple is understood to be weighing up the Beats label for its first-party controllers.
The move would see Apple compete directly with the many third-party controller makers already serving the mobile gaming market. It marks another sign that the company is taking a more serious approach to gaming across both its desktop and mobile platforms.
First-party controllers for the iPhone
Controllers have become a common accessory within the growing mobile gaming space. Among the most popular options are designs modelled on traditional gaming console controllers, featuring a section that holds the phone above the controls.
Historically, Apple has not pursued gaming with the same intensity seen elsewhere in the wider technology industry. In recent years, however, the company has taken steps to change that, and producing its own first-party controllers for the iPhone is reportedly one of the ways it intends to do so. At present, the specific type of controller Apple is working on has not been detailed.
Why the Beats brand could feature
According to reporting from Apple insider Mark Gurman, the company has been considering launching its controllers under the Beats name. Beats already produces a range of accessories for Apple products in addition to its headphones, prompting speculation that Apple may be positioning it as a dedicated accessory brand.
The suggestion is that Apple may prefer not to release every accessory under its own more premium branding, instead using Beats for certain product lines. This approach would allow the company to expand its accessory range while keeping a clearer distinction between product tiers.
Apple has been increasingly focused on gaming in recent years, spanning both the Mac and its mobile devices. At its most recent event, the company demonstrated how the iPhone Duo handles games, underlining its intent to make gaming a stronger part of the iPhone experience.
Should Beats-branded controllers reach the market, iPhone owners who take mobile gaming seriously would gain an official option to consider alongside existing third-party products. Buyers pre-ordering the iPhone 18 Pro Max can currently save around £75.
Source
Image: phonearena.com
