Apple Optimizes Gaming Experiences With New Game Mode Feature For iOS 18

Apple launched the latest operating system (OS) update for supported iPhone devices, adding new features and optimizations to make everyday tasks truly "magical." Available globally starting 16th September 2024, iOS 18 is giving owners creative ways and inspiring opportunities to "personalize" their devices with better customization features, new systems, and bolstering in-app experiences.

iOS 18 adds a new App Store feature that encourages uninterrupted gaming sessions when playing some of the most popular (and supported) games on their iPhone or iPad. The Game Mode feature aims to improve our gaming experience by minimizing device activity and providing unique optimizations for connected peripherals like game controllers and AirPods, but it's unclear if this is available for gaming headsets.

Game Mode was introduced in Apple's iOS 18 for most supported iPhones, which should appeal to our mobile gaming heroes when jumping into their favorite game for an immersive experience. According to an official App Store Preview post, once updated to iOS 18, Game Mode is turned on automatically as soon as they boot up a game, like Assassin's Creed Mirage, Dead Cells, Genshin Impact, Sky: Children of the Light or other supported titles.

Once enabled, Game Mode immediately decreases any background activity on their device (iPhone or iPad with iPadOS 18) to guarantee "smoother gameplay and more consistent frame rates." In addition, it reduces the latency of any connected AirPods and enhances the responsiveness of any wireless controllers connected to their iPhone device.

As of writing, there's no option to permanently turn off the Game Mode feature anywhere on the device, like from the Settings app or from a different system app like the App Store. However, to temporarily turn it off, they must launch any game where a pop-up window will appear to inform the user that Game Mode has been turned on.

This gives them the chance to quickly turn it off, if needed, by tapping the pop-up window where a menu will be presented to turn Game Mode off. Alternatively, they can pull down their Lock or Home Screen to access the Control Center, and they can turn it off directly from here before starting their next in-game adventure.