Apple may launch iPhone game controllers under Beats brand: Report

Apple may soon launch a new game controller aimed at iPhone gamers, but it may not carry the Apple logo. The controllers are reportedly being developed under the Beats brand, with two models already spotted in Apple's software code.

In Short

• Code references list controller models T6502 and T1057 for testing
• Reported features include a D-pad, thumbsticks and haptic motors for gameplay
• Sensors like accelerometer and gyroscope may enable motion controls in games

For iPhone gamers, Apple could soon announce some good news. The company is reportedly working on two game controllers for the iPhone. But they may not come with an Apple logo. A fresh report suggests the controllers are likely to debut under Apple’s Beats brand.

The idea that Apple could come up with a gaming controller is not something new; rumour mills have been churning it for quite some time. Now, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also corroborates the previous leaks. The beginning of this month saw MacRumours report that told us of two first-party game controllers were reportedly found in Apple’s software code, suggesting that the company is indeed working on the accessories.

Apple is making two game controllers

The two controllers have been spotted in code with model identifiers T6502 and T1057. The code also reportedly points to some familiar gaming features, including a D-pad, thumbsticks and haptic motors.

There could also be an accelerometer and gyroscope inside the controllers. If that turns out to be true, players could use motion controls in supported games.

Interestingly, the references were found in macOS 26.7 code, but Gurman says the controllers are actually being designed for the iPhone. The exact design of the controllers is still unknown, so it is not known yet whether Apple is planning something similar to existing mobile gamepads or a completely different design.

Apple already sells third-party controllers such as the Backbone One and SteelSeries Nimbus+ through its online store. With its own controllers, the company could take a bigger slice of the growing iPhone gaming accessories market.

Why Beats could get the controllers

Apple’s gaming controller may not come carrying Apple’s logo, but rather Beats, according to Gurman. Apple has increasingly used Beats to experiment with products that do not necessarily fit its usual premium Apple branding.

So, a game controller could be a good example. Gaming accessories need to appeal to a wide audience and usually compete on price. Selling the controller through Beats could allow Apple to target gamers without giving the accessory the more expensive image associated with Apple products.

The Beats brand also already sells accessories such as iPhone cases and USB-C cables. So, a gaming controller would not exactly come out of nowhere.

For now, Apple has not officially announced either controller. So, we suggest taking it with a pinch of salt.

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