Apple is introducing a new Game Mode in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. The feature minimizes background activity to deliver higher sustained performance and smoother gameplay.
Additionally, Game Mode will reduce audio latency with AirPods and game controllers for better responsiveness.
iPhones and iPads will get better at gaming with Game Mode
iPhones already pack powerful GPUs, with some great gaming titles listed on the App Store. With Game Mode, the company wants to elevate your gaming experience further.
In Game Mode, your iPhone or iPad will optimize the background tasks to allocate more resources to the game you are playing. The lower latency for AirPods and gaming controllers should also help deliver a more immersive experience. The company archives this by doubling the Bluetooth polling rate for wireless controllers.
Many Android phones offer a similar game mode for longer sustained performance. Some even boost the CPU and GPU clock speeds to achieve higher frame rates.
Apple won’t provide a dedicated Game Mode toggle. Instead, your iPhone or tablet will automatically enter this mode when you launch a game.
Additionally, Personalized Spatial Audio on AirPods Pro and AirPods Max will bring dynamic head tracking for games. This should help deliver a more immersive gaming experience, with the audio maintaining its position despite any head movements.
Game Mode on macOS gets even better
On macOS Sequoia, Apple says Game Mode will “unlock smoother frame rates, and advanced power management features boost performance across the Mac lineup.” Plus, it unveiled Game Porting Toolkit 2 to help developers more easily port their games to macOS and iPadOS.
Do note that Game Mode is already a part of macOS Sonoma, though it only works on Macs with Apple silicon. With Sequoia, Apple is further enhancing this mode for better gaming performance.
