Games Coming and Going on Apple Arcade

Apple Arcade regularly adds new games and removes older ones, so the lineup changes every month. This article explains how to see which games are coming and which are leaving, and what happens to your access when a title is removed.

How Apple Arcade’s Game Rotation Works

Apple Arcade is a subscription service (about $6.99/month in the US) that gives you access to a curated library of games with no ads and no in-app purchases. Unlike a typical app store where you buy games once, Apple Arcade games are available only while you have an active subscription. Apple doesn’t publish a fixed schedule, but it typically adds a batch of new titles every few weeks and occasionally removes older ones. The removals are usually games that are underperforming or whose licensing agreements have expired.

How to See Which Games Are Coming

Apple doesn’t announce upcoming Arcade games far in advance, but you can get a good idea from a few places:

• App Store’s Arcade tab: Apple highlights “New Games” and “Coming Soon” sections on the Arcade tab in the App Store app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.
• Apple Newsroom: Apple occasionally posts press releases about major Arcade launches, often tied to its September iPhone events.
• Developer announcements: Game developers often tease their own Arcade titles on social media or their websites before release.
• Third-party trackers: Sites like TouchArcade and MacRumors keep running lists of rumored and confirmed Arcade games.

How to See Which Games Are Leaving

Apple is less transparent about removals. There’s no public “leaving soon” list. However, you can check the App Store’s Arcade tab for a “Leaving Arcade Soon” section, which Apple sometimes shows for games that will be removed in the next few weeks. If you don’t see that section, you can also:

• Check the game’s page in the App Store – it will say “Leaving Arcade Soon” if it’s scheduled for removal.
• Follow Apple’s official Arcade social media accounts (they occasionally announce departures).
• Search online for “Apple Arcade leaving games [month year]” – gaming news sites often compile lists.

What Happens When a Game Leaves Apple Arcade?

When a game is removed from Apple Arcade, it disappears from the Arcade tab and can no longer be downloaded through the subscription. If you already have it installed, it will stop working once the removal takes effect. You won’t be able to play it unless you buy it separately (if the developer offers a paid version) or find it on another platform. Your save data is typically stored locally on your device or in iCloud, but it won’t be accessible through the Arcade version after removal.

Why Games Leave Apple Arcade

Apple doesn’t publicly explain why specific games are removed, but common reasons include:

• Licensing agreements: Some games use licensed characters or music, and those licenses expire.
• Performance: Games with low player counts may be dropped to make room for new titles.
• Developer choice: A developer might choose to leave Arcade to release the game on other platforms or as a premium purchase.
• Contract terms: Apple’s contracts with developers are typically for a fixed term, often one to three years, after which the game can be removed.

How to Keep Playing a Game That’s Leaving

If a game you love is leaving Arcade, you have a few options:

1. Check if the developer sells it separately: Some developers offer a paid version of the game outside Arcade. Search the App Store for the game’s name – if it’s available, you can buy it and keep your progress (if the developer supports cloud saves).
2. Play it before it leaves: You can keep playing until the removal date, but you won’t be able to re-download it after.
3. Look for the game on other platforms: Many Arcade games are also on Nintendo Switch, PC, or other consoles. You might be able to continue there.
4. Contact the developer: Ask if they plan to offer a paid version after leaving Arcade. They might have plans you can’t see yet.

Common Misconceptions About Apple Arcade Removals

There are a few myths about how removals work:

• “All games stay forever.” False. Apple has removed dozens of games since the service launched in 2019.
• “You lose your progress.” Not necessarily. Your save data stays on your device and in iCloud, but the game won’t launch after removal. If you later buy a paid version, the developer may or may not let you import your saves.
• “Apple announces removals in advance.” Sometimes it does, but not always. The “Leaving Arcade Soon” section appears sporadically.
• “Removed games are gone forever.” Some come back later, especially if the developer renegotiates a new contract. It’s rare, but it happens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a list of all games leaving Apple Arcade?

Apple doesn’t publish an official list. The best you can do is check the App Store’s Arcade tab for the “Leaving Arcade Soon” section, which appears a few weeks before removal. Third-party sites like TouchArcade also compile lists when they have information.

Can I still play a game after it leaves Apple Arcade if I keep it installed?

No. Once the game is removed from Arcade, it will stop working even if it’s still on your device. The app may open but will likely show an error or require a purchase.

Do I get a refund if a game leaves Arcade?

No, because you’re paying for the service, not the individual games. Apple Arcade is a subscription – you’re renting access to a library, and games can come and go. There’s no refund for a specific game leaving.

How often does Apple add new games to Arcade?

Apple typically adds a few new games every month, often in a batch. The frequency varies – sometimes it’s weekly, sometimes it’s every other week. Major updates often coincide with Apple events or new device launches.

Can I request that Apple keep a game on Arcade?

You can send feedback to Apple through their website, but there’s no guarantee it will change anything. The decision to remove a game is usually based on contract terms and business decisions, not user requests.

Are all Apple Arcade games exclusive to the service?

No. Some games are “Timed Exclusives” – they’re on Arcade first, but later get released on other platforms or as paid apps. Others are exclusive to Arcade permanently, depending on the contract. You can usually tell from the game’s App Store page if it’s available elsewhere.

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