"Apple Arcade Free Trial Activation Guide for 2025"

Modern mobile gaming has come a long way over the past two decades, evolving from basic time-killer apps into rich, immersive experiences that rival traditional console titles—all available right on your smartphone. Today’s mobile market is dominated by free-to-play games vying for attention through aggressive monetization and constant updates. However, Apple Arcade emerged in 2019 as a refreshing alternative, offering a premium subscription model with no ads or in-app purchases.

Apple Arcade delivers a carefully curated selection of high-quality games for a single monthly fee, making it one of the most compelling gaming services available today. With hundreds of titles across multiple genres, it's ideal for gamers who appreciate variety and value.

Read on to learn everything about Apple Arcade, including how to start your free trial, what devices are supported, and how to get the most out of the service.

Does Apple Arcade Offer a Free Trial?

1 Month Free

Apple Arcade

1See it at Apple

Yes, Apple Arcade offers a generous one-month free trial to all new users. Even better, if you purchase a new Apple device—such as an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV—you’re eligible for three months of Apple Arcade completely free.

What Is Apple Arcade?

Launched in 2019, Apple Arcade was introduced as a bold response to the overwhelming number of low-quality mobile games filled with intrusive ads and pay-to-win mechanics. Instead of following the standard trend, Apple adopted a Netflix-style gaming service that provides unlimited access to a growing library of more than 200 ad-free, premium games—all included in a single monthly price.

Over the past six years, Apple has built a robust catalog featuring critically acclaimed titles like Balatro, Vampire Survivors, Dead Cells, and Stardew Valley. The service also includes enhanced re-releases of beloved classics such as Angry Birds, Temple Run, and Jetpack Joyride.

Explore the Full List of Apple Arcade Games

Discover the best games available on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV with this regularly updated list of Apple Arcade titles. You can sort, track, rate, and review your favorite games—all included in your subscription.

See All
Katamari Damacy Rolling Live – Bandai Namco

Space Invaders Infinity Gene Evolve – Taito

Sesame Street Mecha Builders – StoryToys Entertainment Limited

The Game of Life 2 – Marmalade Game Studio

RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic – Origin8

puffies. – Lykke Studios

Crazy Eights: Card Games – MobilityWare

Piano Tiles 2 – Cheetah Mobile Inc.

Doodle Jump 2 – Lima Sky

My Dear Farm – HyperBeard

What truly sets Apple Arcade apart is its seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. A single subscription grants you access across nearly all Apple devices—iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and even Apple Vision Pro. Whether you prefer touch controls or want to connect a game controller, Apple Arcade supports a wide range of input methods, including DualShock, DualSense, and Xbox Wireless Controllers.

Because Apple Arcade is exclusive to Apple devices, your progress automatically syncs via iCloud, allowing you to continue your game across different devices without losing any data. Plus, with Family Sharing, you can share your subscription with up to six family members, so everyone gets full access to the entire game library.

How Much Does Apple Arcade Cost?

1-month free

Apple Arcade

$6.99 at Apple

After the trial period, Apple Arcade is priced at $6.99 per month. Alternatively, you can opt for an annual plan at $49.99 per year, which offers significant savings compared to the monthly rate. However, you must manually switch your subscription from monthly to annual after signing up.

To do this, go to your Apple ID settings on your device, tap on Subscriptions, select Apple Arcade, and change the billing cycle to annual.

How to Use Apple Arcade – Supported Platforms

Apple Arcade is compatible with a wide range of modern Apple devices, including:

• iPhone
• iPad
• Mac
• Apple TV
• Apple Vision Pro

This cross-device compatibility ensures you can enjoy uninterrupted gameplay anytime, anywhere.