Apple Arcade Levels Up: Five Fresh Games Arrive in June
Apple Arcade continues to evolve as a cornerstone of Apple’s services ecosystem, offering subscribers a growing library of premium games without the interruptions of ads or in-app purchases. This June, the service is set to expand its catalogue with five new titles, including a reimagined take on the classic card game UNO, as well as a suite of updates to fan-favourite games. For families, casual gamers, and Apple aficionados alike, these additions reinforce Apple Arcade’s commitment to quality and variety in mobile gaming.
New Arrivals: A Closer Look at June’s Line-Up
UNO: Arcade Edition – A Classic, Recharged
UNO: Arcade Edition
UNO: Arcade Edition leads the June update, bringing vibrant visuals and exclusive gameplay to Apple Arcade. Developed by Mattel163, this version offers three distinct modes: Quick Match, Custom Games, and Single Player. Customisation is a key focus, with unlockable frames, special effects, and emotes that add flair to every match. Notably, the new Custom Games mode introduces twists like Wild Swap Hands and Color Showdown, ensuring that even seasoned UNO fans will find something fresh to enjoy. Whether you’re playing solo or with friends and family, UNO: Arcade Edition promises a lively, accessible experience for all ages.
WHAT THE CAR? – Racing Gets a Surreal Makeover
For Apple Vision Pro users, WHAT THE CAR? by Triband delivers a unique, spatial-computing twist on the racing genre. Players guide a bizarre, ever-changing vehicle using hand gestures, with gameplay elements that pop out of the screen for an immersive, unpredictable adventure. It’s a bold experiment in blending humour, physics, and cutting-edge technology—a testament to Apple Arcade’s willingness to push boundaries.
LEGO Hill Climb Adventures+ – Building and Racing Collide
LEGO Hill Climb Adventures+
LEGO Hill Climb Adventures+ combines the beloved LEGO aesthetic with the physics-driven fun of Hill Climb Racing. Players can race, explore, and build through dynamic environments, encountering upgradeable vehicles, quirky gadgets, and hidden secrets. The inclusion of LEGO Minifigures and varied locations—from sunny countrysides to towering mountains—offers a rich playground for discovery and creativity.
Lost in Play+ – A Whimsical Puzzle Adventure
Lost in Play+
Awarded iPad Game of the Year in 2023, Lost in Play+ is a point-and-click adventure that celebrates childhood imagination. With no dialogue, handcrafted animation, and a series of clever puzzles, players help a brother-and-sister duo navigate enchanted forests and outwit magical creatures. Its wholesome, interactive cartoon style makes it a standout for families and fans of narrative-driven games.
Helix Jump+ – Arcade Action, Refined
Helix Jump+
Rounding out the new releases is Helix Jump+, a reimagined version of the hit 3D arcade game. Exclusive to Apple Arcade, this edition features enhanced haptics, improved visuals, and unlockable skins—all without ads or interruptions. The core gameplay remains satisfyingly simple: guide a bouncing ball through twisting towers, testing your reflexes and rhythm.
Updates and Events: Keeping Favourites Fresh
Alongside the new games, Apple Arcade is rolling out updates to existing titles. Highlights include:
A Paddington-themed summer event in Crayola Create and Play+ (from 26 June).
A new Queens neighbourhood in Skate City: New York (22 May).
The addition of Shaquille O’Neal to NBA 2K25 Arcade Edition’s Greatest Mode (8 May).
Other popular games—such as Hello Kitty Island Adventure, Shovel Knight Dig, and Angry Birds Reloaded—are also set to receive fresh content, underscoring Apple’s ongoing support for its gaming community.
Accessibility and Controller Support
Apple Arcade continues to prioritise accessibility across its platform. Many games, including Lost in Play+, are designed with intuitive touch controls and minimal reliance on complex inputs, making them suitable for a wide range of players. Additionally, Apple devices offer built-in accessibility features such as VoiceOver, Zoom, and Switch Control, enhancing the gaming experience for users with diverse needs.
For those who prefer physical controllers, Apple Arcade supports a variety of options, including Xbox, PlayStation, and MFi-certified controllers. Games that support controllers are indicated by a controller icon on their App Store page. This flexibility allows players to choose their preferred input method for an optimal gaming experience.
Subscription Details and Device Compatibility
Apple Arcade remains competitively priced at £6.99 per month, with a one-month free trial for new users. It is also included in all tiers of the Apple One bundle, making it an attractive option for families and individuals already invested in Apple’s ecosystem. The service supports up to six family members and is accessible across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro, though some titles may have device-specific features or requirements.
Reflecting on Apple Arcade’s Approach
This latest update exemplifies Apple Arcade’s strategy: blending nostalgia (with classics like UNO), innovation (through spatial gaming and unique indie titles), and family-friendly fun. As the mobile gaming landscape becomes increasingly crowded with free-to-play models reliant on microtransactions, Apple’s all-inclusive, ad-free approach feels refreshingly straightforward. The question remains: will this steady stream of new content and exclusive experiences continue to set Apple Arcade apart, or will the broader market’s appetite for free-to-play competition eventually overshadow the subscription model?
For now, Apple Arcade’s June line-up offers something for everyone—and a timely reminder that, sometimes, the best games are those you can simply pick up and play, together.
Source: Apple Newsroom