Is Apple Ready to Compete in the Gaming World?

Is Apple Ready to Compete in the Gaming World?

Published: 2nd February 2025

Reading Time: 4 minutes

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For years now, Apple has dominated the tech industry with its sleek hardware, user-friendly software, and seamless integration ecosystem. From iPhones to MacBooks, the Cupertino giants have consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation. However, in the realm of gaming, Apple has historically taken a back seat, allowing Microsoft, Sony, and even PC brands focused on gaming to take the lead. Now, with advancements in Apple Silicon, strategic partnerships, and an evolving software landscape, the question arises: Is Apple finally ready to compete in the gaming world?

Apple’s relationship with gaming is complex. While the App Store has transformed mobile gaming, with titles such as Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile delivering console-quality experiences on smartphones, Apple has yet to make significant progress in high-end gaming. The company’s focus has mainly been on casual and mobile gaming, leaving hardcore gamers dependent on Windows-based systems for their serious gaming needs.

However, recent developments indicate a shift in Apple’s approach. The introduction of the M1, M2, and now the M3 chips has significantly enhanced the performance of Mac devices, bringing them closer to the capabilities of high-end gaming PCs. With features like MetalFX Upscaling and improved GPU power, Apple appears to be establishing a more gaming-friendly environment.

One of the biggest game-changers for Apple is its proprietary Apple Silicon chips. The latest M3 Max chip features GPU enhancements that rival those of dedicated gaming laptops, providing real-time ray tracing, high frame rates, and exceptional energy efficiency. These chips allow MacBooks and iMacs to run AAA games more easily than ever before, narrowing the performance gap with traditional gaming setups.

Divinity Original Sin 2 | Image: Supplied

A Growing Library of Games

For Apple to genuinely compete in the gaming industry, a strong game library is crucial. The Mac gaming scene has historically encountered challenges due to limited developer support, as many game studios prefer Windows for its DirectX compatibility and larger gaming audience. However, Apple has been striving to change this situation. The announcement that Resident Evil Village, Death Stranding Director’s Cut, and No Man’s Sky will be launched natively on macOS is a promising indication. Additionally, Apple’s Game Porting Toolkit, unveiled at WWDC 2023, allows developers to more easily port PC games to Mac, potentially broadening the range of available titles.

While Apple Arcade has focused on delivering high-quality, ad-free mobile games, it has yet to position itself as a serious competitor to services like Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus. However, given Apple’s financial resources, an expansion into cloud gaming or exclusive AAA titles could be a game-changer. Furthermore, Apple’s close ties with streaming services such as GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming could provide Mac users with access to more titles without necessitating Windows emulation.

Despite Apple’s. advancements, several challenges remain. The Macill not the preferred choice for most game developers, meaning many new releases may take longer to arrive—or might not arrive at all. Furthermore, Apple’s restrictive App Store policies have caused tensions with major gaming companies, as evident in the ongoing disputes with Epic Games concerning Fortnite’s App Store revenue policies.

Another challenge is hardware optimization. Although Apple Silicon is powerful, most major games are optimized for x86 architecture (used by Intel and AMD). This means developers must exert extra effort to ensure their games run smoothly on macOS. Until Mac gaming becomes more mainstream, many studios may be reluctant to invest significant resources into macOS compatibility.

Can Apple Take on the Gaming Giants?

Apple certainly possesses the potential to become a major player in the gaming industry, but this shift will not happen overnight. With continuous investment in hardware, development tools, and gaming partnerships, Apple could create a stronger presence in the gaming sector. The company’s strategy may not entail a direct competition with PlayStation, Xbox, or PC gaming; rather, it seeks to cultivate its own unique gaming ecosystem—one that integrates effortlessly across all Apple devices.

The upcoming years will show whether Apple can genuinely establish itself in the hardcore gaming world or if it will continue to be a secondary player in the industry. One thing is certain: Apple is no longer dismissing gaming, and that alone signals exciting possibilities for the future.

About the Author

Elias Al Bay

Elias Albay is the Founder and Director of Many Men Magazine, a Toronto-based digital publication dedicated to promoting modern masculinity through style, culture, and self-improvement. What started as a personal turning point became a purposeful platform. — born from Elias’ desire to create something meaningful after completing his studies and finding no career path that truly matched his ambitions. With a background in Civil Engineering from York University and experience in Commercial Flight Operations at CAE, he applied skills, and resilience from both fields to forge a new path.

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Subaru WRX S210 Prototype: New STI Without a Manual, Limited to 500 Units

Elias Al Bay

Published: 28th January 2025

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Subaru has surprised the automotive world by unveiling its STI prototype at the Tokyo Auto Salon, indicating the return of the WRX STI in a slightly different form. Although Subaru previously announced the end of the gas-powered WRX STI, this new prototype aims to reignite fans’ excitement. However, there’s a significant twist—this model does not include the iconic manual transmission.

Instead, Subaru has taken a more modern approach by equipping the WRX STI S210 with a “Subaru Performance Transmission,” a continuous variable transmission (CVT). Coupled with an all-wheel-drive system and an upgraded version of the 2.4-litre turbocharged flat-four engine, the S210 delivers 296 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque—an increase over the standard WRX’s 271 horsepower and 256 lb-ft of torque. While it’s a commendable increase in power, it’s still a step back compared to the previous STI S209, which produced 341 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque.

In addition to the powertrain changes, Subaru has introduced a variety of performance enhancements to keep the S210 sharp. The prototype features additional bracing, S210-specific adaptive dampers, coil springs, and 19-inch BBS forged wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires (255/35R-19). To accommodate the increased performance, the car is fitted with Brembo brakes, including six-piston callipers at the front featuring red accents and upgraded pads. The S210 also showcases distinctive styling elements such as a unique mesh grille, an S210 badge, red trim along the lower edge, and a more aggressive front bumper with vertical lighting elements and a lip spoiler. The subtle rear wing completes the performance aesthetic.

Inside the cabin, Subaru has equipped the S210 with carbon-fiber-backed Recaro seats, now featuring power adjustments—an unusual choice given the car’s performance focus. The rest of the cabin resembles the regular WRX, but with premium touches like microsuede-wrapped armrests and piano black trim on the dash and doors. And, of course, several S210 badges serve as reminders that this is not your average WRX.

Availability and Price

Subaru has confirmed that only 500 units of the S210 will be produced, making it an extremely limited edition. However, it remains unclear whether any units will reach markets outside Japan. The company has also announced that pricing will be revealed at a later date, but anticipate it to be higher than the previous S209, which retailed for approximately $64,880 in the U.S.

While the absence of a manual transmission has disappointed some enthusiasts, Subaru’s decision to prioritize the CVT aligns with the preferences of the Japanese market, where automatic transmissions prevail. Nevertheless, fans of the WRX STI legacy can take solace in the fact that the STI badge is making a comeback—though with some adjustments to modernize the performance car for today’s market.

This new STI is set to be a Japan-exclusive release, arriving this autumn. Given its limited production and unique features, the S210 will likely carry a higher price tag than its predecessors. While it may not be the high-revving, manual-only sports sedan that many enthusiasts anticipated, the STI S210 still holds a special place for Subaru fans, offering a blend of aggressive styling, modern performance features, and the return of the legendary STI nameplate.