Apple is reportedly preparing to expand its footprint in the gaming hardware sector with two new controllers designed for iPhones. According to a recent Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman, these devices have been in development for over a year but may be launched under the Beats brand rather than the primary Apple name.
The revelation follows earlier discovery by MacRumors readers, who identified code within a macOS release candidate referencing two new hardware units, designated T6502 and T1057. These codenames point to devices featuring classic gaming controller components, including dual analog sticks, shoulder buttons, and D-pads.
Gurman notes that while Apple’s online store currently offers third-party accessories from manufacturers like Backbone and SteelSeries, these new in-house products are being conceptualized and engineered by Beats executives. The decision to utilize the Beats label appears strategic; it allows Apple to experiment with a new product category while potentially offering a more budget-friendly option compared to premium Apple-branded hardware. By forgoing high-end materials and distinctive Apple styling, the Beats-branded controller could appeal to a broader segment of the gaming community.
The move also leverages the strong cultural overlap between the gaming demographic and existing Beats customers. Despite these details, Gurman did not provide a specific release date for the upcoming controllers.
Beats is basically dead tech at this point. Using that brand for controllers feels like liquidating a dying asset.
Finally, Apple is taking mobile gaming hardware seriously instead of just relying on third-party accessories like Backbone.
Will these work with the iPad? I have a feeling this will be exclusive to iPhone, which is frustrating.
I’m just here for the dual analog sticks and D-pad. Please tell me they aren’t another overpriced accessory.
Beatse branded controllers? That actually makes sense given the music-gaming crossover demographic Apple is targeting.