iPhone Duo will usher foldables into the mainstream, just as iPhone did with smartphones; sources: iPhone game controllers will launch under the Beats brand

If you buy gaming accessories for your iPhone, Apple may soon offer its own brand of controllers.

Apple is reportedly developing its own game controllers for the iPhone, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. References found in macOS beta code suggest the existence of two controller models, identified as T6502 and T1057. These controllers are expected to feature a D-Pad, thumbsticks, haptic motors, and potentially an accelerometer and gyroscope for motion controls. While the exact design remains unknown, sources indicate the accessory might be released under the Beats brand, with Beats executives overseeing the project. This move could see Apple entering the iPhone gamepad market, where it currently sells third-party options like the Backbone One and SteelSeries Nimbus+ through its Apple Store. The development of Apple-branded controllers could also aim to enhance the gaming experience on Apple TV 4K and encourage engagement with advanced mobile games on iOS and Mac.

Apple's entry into the dedicated iPhone controller market signals a growing investment in its gaming ecosystem, potentially elevating mobile gaming to a more console-like experience. By leveraging the Beats brand, Apple could target a broader audience with a more accessible price point than a premium Apple-branded accessory might command, while still offering an integrated hardware solution. This strategy mirrors how Apple used Beats for audio accessories, suggesting a focus on performance and user experience tailored to its mobile platform.

The development of these controllers, alongside the increasing availability of AAA titles on iOS and Mac, indicates Apple's ambition to solidify its position as a significant player in the gaming space. Such an offering could drive hardware sales and increase engagement with Apple Arcade and other gaming services, while also improving the viability of cloud gaming on iPhones and iPads. The move also suggests potential for deeper integration with Apple TV 4K gaming experiences.