The iPhone 15 Pro: A Potential AAA Game Console

Apple’s Emphasis on Gaming
During Apple’s recent iPhone 15 launch event, the company made significant strides in the world of gaming. While mobile developers discussed the enhanced hardware and software capabilities, Apple unveiled a remarkable addition: several top-tier console games, including the Resident Evil 4 remake, Resident Evil Village, and Death Stranding, are coming to the iPhone. With the iPhone 15 Pro, the boundary between dedicated handheld gaming devices and smartphones, exemplified by the Steam Deck, is rapidly blurring.
Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Ray-Tracing
Apple also revealed that the forthcoming Ubisoft game, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, from its renowned franchise, will debut on the iPhone 15 Pro. Moreover, the device will support hardware-accelerated ray-tracing dynamic lighting effects. This marks a substantial evolution in the iPhone’s gaming capabilities. Historically, while the iPhone transformed mobile gaming, it didn’t penetrate the console and PC gaming markets””a realm where even the Mac struggled to establish a foothold.
Apple’s Opportunity in the AAA Game Market
The iPhone now has a chance to cement itself as a sought-after platform for major studio game releases. The A17 Pro, powering the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, rivals the processors found in devices like the Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and other portable console PCs. When coupled with accessories like the Backbone One USB-C controller, which promptly announced iPhone 15 support, the iPhone 15 Pro may render standalone gaming hardware obsolete.
Challenges Ahead
Despite its technical prowess and expansive user base, Apple faces challenges in becoming a AAA game console. iOS remains a less straightforward development target compared to Windows or SteamOS. Nevertheless, Apple is making strides in improving compatibility tools, notably after its WWDC developer event.
The bigger challenge lies in building and maintaining strong relationships with game developers, something console giants like Sony and Microsoft excel at. Apple’s approach to developer relations differs considerably, with less emphasis on incentives and exclusives. While Apple Arcade launched a few years ago to address this, its focus on the Pro models this year might limit its appeal.
Looking Ahead: A Gaming iPhone Lineup
The A17 Pro’s future iterations suggest that even entry-level iPhones will gain gaming capabilities rapidly. Apple’s processor advancements may outpace traditional console generations and niche devices like the Steam Deck, which face cost-benefit constraints.
Beyond handheld gaming, the iPhone 15 Pro’s video output capabilities and broad controller support could position it as a replacement for not just handheld but also living room AAA consoles. The allure of this scenario continues to grow, and the iPhone 15 Pro might be the generation that establishes “Coming to PS5, Xbox Series X, and iPhone” as a standard in the gaming industry.