Apple this morning started rolling out access to Apple Arcade, giving a handful of people early access to the $4.99 per month service.

Apple Arcade isn’t launching with the more than 100 titles Apple has said are in development, but there are over 50 games to download across a wide range of categories. All of the games are listed below.

• Assemble With Care (usTwo)
• Shantae and the Seven Sirens (WayForward Technologies)
• Grindstone (Capybara Games)
• WHAT THE GOLF? (The Label)
• Card of Darkness (Zach Gage)
• LEGO Brawls (LEGO)
• Patterned (Borderleap)
• Stellar Commanders (Blindflug Studios)
• Where Cards Fall (Snowman)
• Overland (Finji)
• Exit the Gungeon (Devolver Digital)
• Rayman Mini (Ubisoft)
• Spaceland (Tortuga Team)
• Agent Intercept (PikPok)
• Punch Planet (Block Zero Games)
• Sneaky Sasquatch (Rac7 Games)
• Operator 41 (Shifty Eye Games)
• Frogger in Toy Town (Konami)
• Red Reign (Ninja Kiwi)
• Various Daylife (Square Enix)
• Mini Motorways (Dinosaur Polo Club)
• Don’t Bug Me! (Frosty Pop)
• Oceanhorn 2 (Cornfox & Bros)
• King’s League II (Kurechii)
• Explottens (Werplay Priv.)
• Spelldrifter (Free Range Games)
• The Get Out Kids (Frosty Pop)
• Spek. (Rac7 Games)
• Way of the Turtle (Illusion Labs)
• Lifeslide (Block Zero Games)
• Neo Cab (Surprise Attack Games)
• Skate City (Snowman)
• Tint. (Lykke Studios)
• The Enchanted World (Noodlecake Studios)
• Over the Alps (Stave Studios)
• Hot Lava (Klei Entertainment)
• The Pinball Wizard (Frosty Pop)
• Shinsekai Into the Depths (Capcom)
• Word Laces (Minimega)
• Dear Reader (Local No. 12)
• Projection: First Light (Blowfish Studios)
• ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree (Wildboy Studios)
• Big Time Sports (Frosty Pop)
• Tangle Tower (SFB Games)
• Dread Nautical (Zen Studios)
• Mutazione (Die Gute Fabrik)
• Bleak Sword (Devolver Digital)
• Sayonara Wild Hearts (Annapurna)
• Dead End Job (Headup)
• Cat Quest II (The Gentlebros)
• Dodo Peak (Moving Pieces)
• Cricket Through the Ages (Devolver Digital)
• Speed Demons (Radiangames)

According to Apple, new Apple Arcade games will be added to the service on a weekly basis, so there are plenty of additional games that will be coming soon.

The Apple Arcade interface is like a mini App Store itself, with various game categories, gaming tips, and more.

Of the above list, Apple is highlighting many of the games in different categories like “Start Your Adventure,” “New Arrivals,” “You Have to Hear This,” “No Time to Blink,” and more.

Ahead of Apple Arcade‘s debut, Apple has taken a deeper glimpse into some of the games that are coming, including developer commentary and gameplay details in an Apple Newsroom article. Games covered include The Enchanted World, Patterned, Overland, and Card of Darkness.

Apple Arcade is set to launch officially on Thursday, September 19, right alongside the rollout of iOS 13. The service is $4.99 per month for the entire family, with a free one-month trial available.

This article, “All the Games on Apple Arcade at Launch” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple Arcade appears to be rolling out to a handful of users ahead of its planned September 19 release date, based on a few tweets and emails sent to MacRumors.

We’ve also received access on one of our devices, and it appears those who are able to use Apple Arcade at this time are running either iOS 13 or the latest iOS 13.1 beta.

We were able to sign up for a complete Apple Arcade subscription, which comes with a one-month free trial. After that, Apple Arcade will be priced at $4.99 per month.

There appear to be right around 54 games available at launch, and we’ll have a full list of titles coming soon. Games run the gamut from puzzle titles to action titles to RPGs and multiplayer games. Apple says new games will be added regularly.

Installing Apple Arcade games after subscribing is as simple as browsing the available game catalog, choosing a game, and tapping on the “Get” button.

Games can be downloaded and played fully offline, with no internet access required, and there appears to be no limit on the number of Apple Arcade games that can be installed at one time.

Apple Arcade is set to launch in an official capacity this Thursday, and it’s possible Apple will continue rolling out access ahead of that date.

Have questions about Apple Arcade? Let us know in the comments and we’ll try to answer.

This article, “Apple Arcade Launches Early for Some Users” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Ahead of the launch of Apple Arcade this Thursday, Apple has allowed YouTubers and media sites to go hands-on with the service, and reviews are now available letting us know what we can expect.

Below, we’ve rounded up some highlights from the reviews, which will be of interest to anyone thinking of subscribing to Apple Arcade.

According to Engadget‘s Devindra Hardawar, the demo games that Apple allowed testers to play each had unique gaming elements. “It’s clear that Apple is trying to build a service that shows off what its devices can do with truly innovative games,” writes Hardawar.

She went on to call the service a “no brainer subscription” for anyone who owns an Apple device, and called Apple Arcade “one of the best deals in gaming.”

Sneaky Sasquatch, image via Engadget

iMore‘s Rene Ritchie said that it felt like Apple spent “a lot of time” making sure there was a wide range of diversity in its launch catalogs and shared his thoughts in a hands-on video.

Sure, there are stealth games, but maybe you’re not a sniper… you’re a Sasquatch. There are puzzle games, but maybe not to climb a tower but to delve into your childhood memories.

There’s Frogger and Chu Chu Rocket and Lego Brawls, but there’s also Skate City, Projection: First Light, and Way of the Turtle. One of the biggest, oldest knocks against Apple has been that they don’t get gaming.

It’s usually made by studios and players who want a hardcore, PC-like, even console-like experience on the Mac or iOS.

The Verge‘s Chaim Gartenberg called Apple Arcade‘s launch lineup “surprisingly deep” that goes beyond the lackluster Frogger debut we saw on September 10.

Where Cards Fall, a puzzle game from Snowman (via The Verge)

My colleague Dieter Bohn got to try out a few of the upcoming games, and his take is: “All the games are good.” Even that Frogger game has more to it than first thought. It’s made by Q-Games, which previously made PixelJunk Monsters, and it’s almost indicative of the entire Arcade reveal: lackluster at first, until you look closer and see that there’s actually a lot happening.

Gizmodo‘s Alex Cranz said that Apple Arcade “probably isn’t going to suck,” and that after sampling some of the games, he’s “tentatively excited.” He wasn’t a fan of some of the gameplay on the iPad, though, and he thought that several of the games “looked really similar.”

An Apple Arcade game on an iPad, image via Gizmodo

Across the board, most of the games were a drag on the iPad. Quite a few of the games like to use the device itself to mimic a controller when played on touch devices. That works with a phone, which is roughly the same size as a controller from Sony or Microsoft. But using the iPad as a giant controller was really uncomfortable. My hands were too damn small to pretend a 10.2-inch iPad had joysticks on either side of the display.

Lifewire‘s Lance Ulanoff said that Apple Arcade games don’t “break any new ground” beyond what’s already in the App Store, but the promise of “all you can eat games” across Apple devices without in-app purchases for just $4.99 per month is “compelling.”

Other Reviews: VentureBeat, Mashable, MobileSyrup, BGR, Digital Trends, and CNET.

Video Reviews and Game Demos:

At launch, Apple Arcade will be priced at $4.99 per month. That $4.99 fee will allow an entire family of up to 6 people (that uses Family Sharing) to access games.

Apple is planning to offer a free one month trial of Apple Arcade, which is launching in more than 150 countries and regions. There will be dozens of new and exclusive games available, with additional games coming in the future.

This article, “Apple Arcade Reviews: ‘Surprisingly Excellent Game Lineup,’ Unique Mechanics and Visuals, Fun Gameplay” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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MacRumors has partnered with Anker again this week to offer our readers a chance to save on nine accessories, including USB-C chargers, wireless chargers, Lightning cables, and portable battery packs.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Savings reach as much as 40 percent off the devices listed below, starting as low as $11.99 for Anker’s own Lightning to USB-C power cable, which can be used to fast charge a compatible iPhone. All of the discount codes have been organized in our list, so be sure to browse the sale before the codes expire this Sunday, September 22.

Anker Sale

• Powerline III USB-A to Lightning Cable (White and Black) – $11.99 with code MACRA8812, down from $14.99
• Powerline II USB-C to Lightning Cable – $11.99 with code MACRA8632, down from $15.99

• USB-C Power Strip with Power Delivery – $28.79 with code MACRA2767, down from $35.99
• PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 USB-C Hub – $32.19 with code MACRA8352, down from $45.99
• 60W 2-Port USB-C Charger – $43.99 with code MACRA2029, down from $54.99

• PowerWave 7.5W Pad Wireless Charger – $16.99 with code MRA2501Z1, $21.99
• PowerWave 7.5W Stand Wireless Charger – $25.99 with code MRA2521W, down from $32.99

• PowerCore 10,000 mAh – $34.99 with code MACRA1235, down from $45.99
• PowerCore Speed 20,100 mAh with 30W PD Charger – $59.99 with code MACRA1275, down from $99.99

Head to our full Deals Roundup for even more of the latest Apple-related sales.

This article, “MacRumors Exclusive: Save Up to 40% on Anker’s USB-C and Lightning Cables, Wireless Chargers, and More” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Google is hosting an October 15 event in New York City, where it is expected to unveil its next-generation smartphone, the Google Pixel 4, reports Axios.

Like Apple’s newest iPhones, the Google Pixel 4 will feature a square-shaped rear camera bump, which Google itself confirmed.

Ahead of the Pixel 4 launch, there were multiple leaks, so Google shared its own images of the upcoming device and also highlighted some of the smartphone’s new features.

Rumors suggest Google’s rear camera setup will include two lenses, a microphone, a flash, and a “spectral sensor” that’s designed to account for light flicker when filming an LCD display.

Apple’s iPhone camera setup positions three lenses in a triangle shape in the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max, and two lenses vertically in the iPhone 11. Google’s setup has the two lenses of the Pixel 4 arranged horizontally with the flash located at the bottom.

Google has already highlighted some of the other features coming to the Pixel 4, including a new Face Unlock feature that is equivalent to Face ID, using 3D facial scans.

Unlike prior implementation of facial recognition on Android devices, Google’s version will support secure payments and app authentication. Google claims its facial recognition system will be a more fluid experience than Apple’s, working in any orientation.

Google’s facial recognition feature will also enable motion-based gestures called Motion Sense, allowing users to do things like skip songs, snooze alarms, and silence phone calls by waving a hand in front of the phone.

Google’s Pixel 4 smartphone will be a major iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max competitor alongside Samsung’s new Galaxy Note 10.

This article, “Google Expected to Unveil New Pixel 4 Smartphone at October 15 Event” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple has cast actor Charlie Hunnam in its upcoming series “Shantaram,” which will air on Apple TV+ sometime after the service debuts this November (via Variety). The series is an adaptation of the Gregory David Roberts novel of the same name, the rights to which Apple acquired back in June 2018.

Image via Variety/Eric Charbonneau

The novel is based somewhat on Roberts’ real life, focusing on a character named Lin (Hunnam), who is a convict that flees from an Australian prison and hopes to get lost in the city of Bombay. In the city, Lin stumbles across an underworld of criminals while individuals from his life in prison hunt him down.

Apple won the rights to the book amid a competitive bidding war that was said to include multiple streaming companies. Previously, plans to adapt “Shantaram” included Joel Edgerton in the role as Lin for a feature film, but plans fell through, leading to the idea of a streaming TV series.

“American Hustle” screenwriter Eric Warren Singer will serve as the showrunner and executive producer of the new Apple series. Singer also worked on “The International”, “Only the Brave”, and wrote the script for the upcoming sequel “Top Gun: Maverick.” Hunnam is known for his roles in “Sons of Anarchy,” “Pacific Rim,” and “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.”

It’s not clear yet when “Shantaram” will premiere on Apple TV+, but since casting has just gotten underway and filming has not yet begun, it’s likely that we won’t see the show debut until mid-to-late 2020 at the earliest.

This article, “Charlie Hunnam Cast as Lead in Apple TV+ Series ‘Shantaram’” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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New to Apple Watch Series 5 models is a built-in compass that allows users to see which way they are facing, complete with a new Compass app that displays heading, incline, latitude, longitude, and current elevation.

In fine print on its website, however, Apple has indicated that Apple Watch bands with magnets “may cause interference” with the compass. This includes the Milanese Loop, Modern Buckle, and Leather Loop. Sport Bands, Sport Loops, Link Bracelets, Nike, and Hermès bands do not contain magnets.

Magnetic interference can affect any compass, so this is not an Apple Watch issue, but something to keep note of while choosing a band.

This article, “Apple Watch Bands With Magnets May Cause Interference With Compass on Series 5 Models” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Mophie this week launched a new wireless charging stand for any Qi-enabled smartphone, including the latest iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max devices. The accessory is available on Mophie’s website for $69.95.

Mophie’s new stand can convert from a vertical to a horizontal orientation, allowing you to charge your iPhone in portrait mode, landscape mode, or flat on its back. You can also use the new accessory to charge the AirPods with Wireless Charging Case.

MacRumors Exclusive Discount Code

Our readers should note that we have an ongoing 20 percent discount code with Mophie through the end of September. So, if you’re interested in the new wireless charging stand you can get it for $55.96, down from $69.95 — the lowest price available online. Use the code RUMORS20 to see this discount.

This discount code is available sitewide on Mophie’s website, so you can use it to save on portable batteries, battery cases, charging cables, and more. This includes the all-new Juice Pack Access battery cases for iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Mophie. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

This article, “Deals: Mophie Launches New Convertible Wireless Charging Stand, Save 20% With Exclusive Discount Code” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Amazon is offering customers a chance to save when pre-ordering the Apple Watch Series 5, which is set to be released this Friday, September 20. The retailer’s sale is focused on select models of the cellular Apple Watch Series 5, and offers up to $50 off these devices.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

We’ve listed a few models on sale below, and you can head to Amazon to browse the full sale right here. Readers should note that some of the sales are only for certain case sizes, and some others require you to clip an on-page coupon to get the discount.

Apple Watch Series 5 Pre-Order Discount (GPS + Cellular)

• 40mm Stainless Steel with White Sport Band – $649.00, down from $699.00 ($50 off)
  
• 44mm Space Black Stainless Steel with Black Sport Band – $699.00, down from $749.00 ($50 off)
  
• 44mm Space Black Stainless Steel with Black Milanese Loop – $749.00, down from $799.00 ($50 off)
  
• 44mm Stainless Steel with Milanese Loop – $749.00, down from $799.00 ($50 off)
  

Check out our full Deals Roundup for even more bargains and discounts, including information on iPhone 11 pre-order sales.

This article, “Deals Spotlight: Save Up to $50 When Pre-Ordering Apple Watch Series 5 on Amazon” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple this week is set to challenge the European Commission’s order to repay 13 billion euros in Irish back taxes, according to Reuters.

The report claims Apple is expected to send a six-person delegation led by its CFO Luca Maestri to a two-day court hearing in Luxembourg on Tuesday and Wednesday. Apple will likely argue many of the same points that Apple CEO Tim Cook penned in a public letter about the tax ruling three years ago.

In a nutshell, Apple believes it follows the law and pays all the taxes it owes in every country where it operates, including Ireland. Apple has also said nearly all of its research and development takes place in the United States, so that is where the company should and does pay the majority of its taxes.

An excerpt from Cook’s letter:

The Commission’s move is unprecedented and it has serious, wide-reaching implications. It is effectively proposing to replace Irish tax laws with a view of what the Commission thinks the law should have been. This would strike a devastating blow to the sovereignty of EU member states over their own tax matters, and to the principle of certainty of law in Europe.

Ireland is also appealing the ruling, but Apple has finished paying back the 13 billion euros in the meantime, with the funds stored in an escrow account. If the order is overturned, the money would be returned to Apple.

In 2016, following a three-year investigation, the European Commission found Apple received illegal state aid from Ireland. Apple allegedly paid between 0.005 percent and one percent in taxes in Ireland between 2003 and 2014, compared to the the country’s headline 12.5 percent corporate tax rate at the time.

This article, “Apple CFO Luca Maestri to Lead Challenge Against Irish Tax Ruling in Luxembourg Court This Week” first appeared on MacRumors.com

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