Backbone Releases PlayStation Edition Game Controller for iPhone - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Backbone Releases PlayStation Edition Game Controller for iPhone

Backbone today announced the release of a new PlayStation Edition of its popular game controller for the iPhone. There is also a new dedicated section inside the Backbone app for iOS with new releases and updates from PlayStation.

Backbone PlayStation Controller 1
The new controller was created in partnership with Sony and inspired by the design of the PS5's wireless DualSense controller, including transparent button faces. The controller is priced at $99.99 in the United States and is available to order starting today in a white color matching the PS5 console, in addition to a black option.

Backbone says the controller is compatible with all iPhones, with an adapter included in the box for the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. Users can simply snap an iPhone into the controller and begin playing PlayStation games via the PS Remote Play app, or games on the App Store, Apple Arcade, Xbox Remote Play, and more.

Backbone PlayStation Controller 2
The controller connects to and is charged by the iPhone via Lightning, and there is an additional Lightning connector for pass-through charging. The controller also has a 3.5mm headphone jack, a button for capturing screenshots and game clips, and a button to open the Backbone app. The controller can be collapsed/folded when not being used.

Customers who purchase the Backbone One PlayStation Edition controller can receive some perks, such as a free one-month subscription to Apple Arcade if they have not already subscribed to the service, along with three months of Discord Nitro for free and more.

iPhones have already supported PS5 DualSense and Xbox Series X/S controllers via Bluetooth since the release of iOS 14.5 last year.

Popular Stories

Apple TV Thumb 3

Everything Coming in the 2026 Apple TV 4K

Wednesday July 8, 2026 4:51 pm PDT by
The Apple TV 4K hasn't been updated since 2022, and it's due for a refresh. An update is planned for 2026, but Apple is likely going to wait to launch it after Siri AI launches in iOS 27. Design Apple TV design updates don't happen often, and that's not changing. The next Apple TV is going to have the same squircle shape as the current model, and it'll continue to be made from a black...
iphone 16 teal

'Siri AI' Lawsuit Update: Apple to Pay Owners of These iPhone Models

Thursday July 9, 2026 7:08 am PDT by
In May, Apple agreed to pay $250 million to settle a U.S. class action lawsuit over Siri AI's delayed launch, and eligible iPhone users could receive up to a $95 payout. This week, the California court overseeing the case held a hearing regarding preliminary approval of the settlement, but the judge has not yet issued a ruling. It will likely be at least a few more months before eligible...
iCloud iPhone 17 Pro

Apple Says These iOS 27 Features Require $9.99/Month Subscription

Wednesday July 8, 2026 6:24 am PDT by
iOS 27 includes new Apple Intelligence features for compatible cameras in Apple's Home app, but only if you have an iCloud+ plan with at least 2TB of storage. This limitation effectively means that the new features are only available with a minimum $9.99/month subscription, even though the centerpiece of the subscription is the 2TB of storage. The features include AI descriptions for...

Top Rated Comments

techfreak23 Avatar
52 months ago
Inspired by the PS5 controller, but has the stick layout of the Xbox...?
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
52 months ago
A bit pricey for a controller but oh well everything in this blog is pricey so what the hell…
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
52 months ago
if only we had emulators in the AppStore.. until then, I will just keep toting this:



Attachment Image
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheGhostWalker Avatar
52 months ago
Surprised the analog sticks aren't symmetrical. It's closer to an Xbox controller
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Maclver Avatar
52 months ago
Too bad Remote Play sucks :( PS5 connected to Ethernet and Mac or iPad getting almost 700Mbs download but keep getting video stuttering.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
52 months ago
Nice idea but I have thrown too many controllers against the wall in frustration for me to ever consider this.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)