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Two game controllers are already embedded in Apple's own code – featuring a D-pad, analog sticks, and haptic feedback. Now, a second, independent report supports this finding and adds a detail that could determine the price: The accessory might not even be released as an Apple product, but rather under the Beats brand.
In early September, driver profiles for two game controllers appeared in the first version of the macOS 26.7 release candidate. These controllers identified themselves to the system as Apple's own hardware—a discovery that Apple's code had already described in detail. Apple has since withdrawn this version. The code alone didn't reveal whether this was a product intended for retail sale or an internal test device. This is precisely where the current newsletter from Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman comes in: He supports the development of Apple's own controllers and names Beats management as responsible for the project. Reports about a proprietary game controller for iPhone and iPad have thus been circulating for about ten months.
Key Facts at a Glance
- In his newsletter, Gurman supports the code discovery from macOS 26.7: Apple is developing its own game controllers for the iPhone.
- The accessories could be released under the Beats brand – according to the report, Beats managers are overseeing the project.
- The code describes two separate devices, only the more sophisticated one of which includes motion sensors.
- In the German Apple Store, Apple is currently selling four controllers from three third-party manufacturers, the Backbone One, for 119.95 euros.
- Appearance, price, and release date are not mentioned in either source.
What was included in the withdrawn Mac preview version
The profiles were discovered by a user on the MacRumors forum who examined the shipped release candidate. The code contained not only identifiers but also software for hardware detection and reading the user interface elements – along with corresponding hardware plug-ins, the kind typically created for real-world devices.
Both profiles describe a complete controller setup. The devices differ primarily in their motion detection, which suggests two price categories:
| Feature | Simpler model | More elaborate model |
|---|---|---|
| Directional pad | Yes | Yes |
| Two analog sticks | Yes | Yes |
| Shoulder buttons and analog triggers | Yes | Yes |
| Home and Menu buttons | Yes | Yes |
| Haptic feedback | Yes | Yes |
| Gyroscope and accelerometer | no | Yes |
A gyroscope allows the game to evaluate the controller's tilt and movement – for example, aiming by tilting, as Sony and Nintendo have offered for years. The code does not reveal the appearance, materials, or connection type.
Why the Beats brand is in the room
Gurman believes it's possible the finished accessory will be sold under the Beats brand, since the project is being led by Beats executives. This would be more than just a matter of branding: Beats products regularly use less expensive materials and are priced below comparable Apple accessories – a controller under this brand would therefore be more of a mass-market product than a premium device.
Regarding reliability: Gurman is among the sources with the longest track record of success on Apple's product plans and relies on individuals familiar with the processes. However, he himself only presents the brand attribution as a possibility, not a decision – the code so far only proves the existence of the prototypes, not their eventual name.
What Apple sells in controllers today
So far, Apple has left this accessory market to others: In the gaming category of the German Apple Store, there are four controllers from three manufacturers – Backbone, Sony, and SteelSeries. The second-generation Backbone One costs €119.95 there and is compatible with up to the iPhone 18 Pro Max. These are joined by the Sony DualSense, the Backbone Pro, and the SteelSeries Nimbus.
This product range is the actual benchmark for this announcement. Anyone who places a device on their own shelf that is currently occupied by partners is taking away their revenue – and must at least match their prices. The Apple Games app on the iPhone shows which games support controllers and how to sort the media library.
Where a dedicated gamepad would be most beneficial
Macs and iPhones already allow pairing PlayStation and Xbox controllers, so the gap there is small. It's significantly larger with the Apple TV 4K: For years, the game selection on the box has been limited by the fact that hardly any household has a compatible gamepad readily available. An affordable Apple-branded controller, included with the box or available for purchase at the same time, would lower this barrier – especially since a major update is expected for the next generation of the box. The subscription service with monthly new Apple Arcade titles also benefits from any device that can play a game.
The price determines whether the device makes a difference
We expect a Beats-branded controller to be priced significantly below the Backbone One's €119.95. The report itself justifies the brand choice by citing Beats' focus on lower price points and more affordable materials; without a price advantage, Apple would have little incentive to supply a well-established accessories market itself. The second factor lies in the motion sensors of the more sophisticated model: these only make sense if developers utilize them, and that requires widespread adoption, something no iPhone gamepad has yet achieved.
For readers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (DACH region), this means for now: If you want to buy a gamepad for your iPhone, Mac, or Apple TV, there's no need to wait – neither a release date, price, nor design can be gleaned from either source yet. Would you prefer a controller with the Beats logo to the Backbone One if it cost half as much – or is the improved usability worth the extra cost to you? Let us know in the comments what you're currently using.
