Apple to Charge $4.99 Per Month for Apple Arcade - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple to Charge $4.99 Per Month for Apple Arcade

Apple is going to charge $4.99 per month, according to details about the service discovered by 9to5Mac. Screenshots of an early Apple Arcade test were found over the weekend, and now prospective pricing has also been leaked.

The $4.99 price point is apparently listed in one of the APIs used in the App Store app. A promotional message says that ‌Apple Arcade‌ will cost $4.99 per month, with one-month free trial available.

applearcade2
Apple previously said that the monthly subscription price for ‌Apple Arcade‌ will provide access to all members of the family who participate in Family Sharing, which means that up to six people will be able to play games for the $4.99 fee.

$4.99 per month is very affordable for a subscription service that provides access to dozens of games. Apple has said there will be somewhere around 100 games available at launch, with no ads or additional in-app purchases.

Apple hasn't officially announced ‌Apple Arcade‌ pricing, so the price could be changed ahead of when it becomes available. ‌Apple Arcade‌ games will be available on iOS devices, Macs, and the Apple TV.

There's no word just yet on when ‌Apple Arcade‌ will launch, but an ongoing employee internal test is set to end when iOS 13 launches, so that could be when Apple plans on rolling out the service.

Popular Stories

Crossy Road Castle Bluey

Bluey is Taking Over Apple Arcade Next Week

Tuesday May 12, 2026 7:50 am PDT by
Apple today announced that characters from the hit animated kids show Bluey are coming to five Apple Arcade games starting Thursday, May 21, as part of a limited-time crossover event. The games that will be receiving Bluey updates include Crossy Road Castle, stitch., puffies., Suika Game+, and Disney Coloring World+. Bluey is coming to Crossy Road Castle Apple Arcade will also be adding...
Four iPhone 18 Pro Colors Mock Feature

iPhone 18 Pro Launching Later This Year With These 10 New Features

Tuesday May 26, 2026 6:32 am PDT by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not launching until September, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. It was initially reported that the iPhone 18 Pro models would have fully under-screen Face ID, with only a front camera visible in the top-left corner of the screen. However, the latest rumors indicate that only one Face ID component will be moved under the...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Just Expanded iPhone Driver's License Feature to Arkansas

Wednesday May 27, 2026 9:41 am PDT by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. Starting today, the feature is available in Arkansas, which is the 14th state to offer it. However, it may take some time to roll out to all users. To...

Top Rated Comments

89 months ago
This is a good price. I remember having so much fun with mobile games before they became an IAP war zone. Angry Birds for 99 cents was a blast. I even had a lot of fun with the $10 Mario game before Nintendo went the IAP route. If this brings back that same experience, this will be an easy buy for me.

I'd still like to see an Apple Music (Family), ATV+, News+, and Arcade bundle for like $29.99.
Score: 39 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zombierunner Avatar
89 months ago
Actually decent pricing. Wow.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
User 6502 Avatar
89 months ago
I don’t think it’s particularly cheap for what it’s going to be. Xbox game pass costs 10 dollars and the quality and size of the games is not even close to what Apple Arcade will offer.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
89 months ago
Wow! The $4.99 is just a drop in the bucket when added to the 700 other subscription services, cable TV, cell phone service, &c., the average user pays out! Go for it! Long live subscription services! WooHoo!
Cord Cutters in 2010: "We want low cost options!"

Cord Cutters in 2019: "We have too many low cost options!"
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
realtuner Avatar
89 months ago
Waiting for all the complaints that $4.99 is far too much for what will obviously be a bunch of crappy "not real" games.


Now let's see an A13X powered Apple TV that includes a free year of Arcade with purchase.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Unity451 Avatar
89 months ago
Eh... i liked $.49 a lot better.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)