Apple Arcade introduces a cheaper annual subscription option

Enlarge / Apple Arcade on the Mac. (credit: Andrew Cunningham)

For a couple of years now, Apple has been exploring subscriptions as a way to bolster revenue in the face of slowing iPhone growth. This year saw a turning point in that strategy, with Apple TV+, Apple News+, and Apple Arcade joining the company's suite of subscription services that already included Apple Music, AppleCare, and iCloud.

But as this is a relatively new frontier for the company (at least in terms of emphasis), Apple is still testing the waters of different approaches. The latest of these is the introduction of a discounted annual subscription to Apple Arcade priced at $49.99, about a $10 savings compared to the $4.99 monthly subscription that was introduced in September.

Apple Arcade offers subscribers Netflix-style access to around a hundred games on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. While many games have flown under the radar or not made much public impact, a few such as Sayonara Wild Hearts, Grindstone, What the Golf?, and Where Cards Fall have received rave reviews from consumers and critics or found significant financial success through the service.

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