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The Complete Guide to Every iOS 27 Feature

How to get started with the Apple Games app on iPad

by Moses Johnson

The Apple Games app is your central hub for the games you enjoy and the friends you play them with. It brings together your game library, activity from your games and friends, and personalized recommendations, and you can challenge your friends and see your Game Center achievements.

You can find recommendations tailored to your preferences, check which games your friends are playing, and compete with friends or players around the world. Your profile shows your Game Center achievements, friends list, and activity.

Sign in to the same Apple Account in both Game Center and the App Store, then use the Apple Games app to keep track of what’s new in the games you’re playing, discover new games, and stay connected with friends.

Discover new games

Find recommendations tailored to your preferences and see what games your friends are playing. Tap Home, then tap a game to learn more, download it, or jump right in if you already have it installed.

Play with friends

Play and compete with friends or players around the world. Tap Friends, then tap Challenge Your Friends.

View your profile and achievements

Tap your avatar in the corner of the screen to see your Game Center achievements, friends list, and activity. You can also customize your nickname and avatar.

Manage your library

Tap Library to access your downloaded games, track achievements, and filter your collection.

To find, play, and share more games, check out these guides:

Tag: Apple Games
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How to view and manage your game library in the Apple Games app on iPad

by Kevin Hollington

In the Apple Games app, you can browse Apple Arcade titles, view your downloaded games, check in-game events, and track your achievements in your library. You can also sort and filter your games to quickly find what you’re looking for.

You can sort your games by Recent Games, Name, or Size, and filter them to show games on this iPad, Apple Arcade games, and more. You can also see recent updates, and delete a game.

Note: Apple Arcade and Apple One aren’t available in all countries or regions.

View and organize your games

  1. Start the Apple Games app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Library, then do any of the following:

    • Browse your games: Scroll through the list of games under Your Games.
    • Sort your games: Tap the Filter button. Choose a sort option (Recent Games, Name, or Size).
    • Filter your games: Tap the Filter button and choose a filter option to show specific games (On This iPad, Apple Arcade, Friends Playing, Controller Support, Support Challenge, or Categories). To clear a filter, tap the Filter button and tap Clear Filter.

      Tip: To see only the games currently installed on your iPad, select the On This iPad filter.

See in-game events or recent updates

  1. Start the Apple Games app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Library and then tap Events.
  3. Select the game you want to see in-game events or updates for.

Searching for a game, or opening its game page in the Home or Search tab, also shows you events and updates.

Check your achievements for a game

For supported games, you can track your Game Center achievements, viewing your progress and seeing which goals you’ve completed.

  1. Start the Apple Games app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Library, then tap Achievements.
  3. To organize your achievements, tap the Filter button. Choose an option.
  4. Select the game you want to check achievements for.

Browse Apple Arcade games

If you’re an Apple Arcade or Apple One subscriber, you can also browse Apple Arcade games in your Library.

  1. Start the Apple Games app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Library, then tap Apple Arcade.
  3. Tap the Filter button, then do any of the following:
    • Turn Show Previews on or off.
    • Sort games by Release Date, Last Updated, Name, or Category.
    • Filter games by Controller Support, Multiplayer, or Age Ratings.

Delete a game

Need to free up space on your iPad? Delete games directly within the Apple Games app.

  1. Start the Apple Games app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Library.
  3. Touch and hold the game you want to delete. Tap Delete Game.

See also

Tag: Apple Games
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How to connect a game controller to iPad

by Stacey Butler

You can connect a compatible game controller to your iPad through Bluetooth® or a wired connection. You can customize the buttons, add a second controller to get help from a friend, and use your controller to navigate the Apple Games app on iPad.

With Buddy Controller, two controllers work together to control the same player character. A wired controller may need an adapter, depending on your iPad model. You can also customize controls for a specific game in the Apple Games app.

Pair a Bluetooth game controller

  1. Follow the instructions that came with the controller to put it in discovery mode.
  2. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
  3. Tap Bluetooth and turn on Bluetooth. Tap the name of the device.

Connect a wired game controller

You can connect a compatible wired game controller to your iPad. Depending on your iPad model and controller, you may need an adapter (sold separately). Follow the instructions that came with your controller.

Customize the game controller buttons

After you pair or connect a compatible game controller, the Apple Games app is where you can customize the buttons for supported games.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap General and then tap Game Controller.
  3. Select the controller you want to customize and then do any of the following:
    • Customize default controls: Tap Default.
    • Customize controls for a specific game: Tap Add Game and select the game. Tap Default for the selected game.
  4. Select the actions and gestures you want to use with your controller.

Add a second game controller and get help from a friend

Buddy Controller lets two controllers on iPad team up to control the same player character, which means a friend can help you get through challenging parts of a game. It works with any game that supports game controllers.

  1. Connect two compatible game controllers to iPad through Bluetooth or a wired connection.
  2. Open the Settings app on your iPad.
  3. Tap General and then tap Game Controller.
  4. Tap Buddy Controller.
  5. Choose the primary controller and choose the secondary controller.

See also

Tags: Apple Games, Bluetooth
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How to find and download games in the Apple Games app on iPad

by Chris Smith

In the Apple Games app, you can find your next game across dozens of categories including action, adventure, racing, puzzles, and more.

You can explore new releases, see top charts, or get personalized suggestions, and view Apple Arcade’s curated collection of games (subscription required), which have no ads or in-app purchases. You can also search or browse by category, see reviews and privacy information, and download or buy a game, play it, or quit it.

Note: Game Center, Apple Arcade, and Apple One aren’t available in all countries or regions. The availability of Apple Arcade games across devices varies based on hardware and software compatibility. Some content may not be available in all areas.

Browse or search for games

  1. Open the Apple Games app on your iPad.
  2. Do any of the following:

    • Explore new releases, see top charts, or get personalized suggestions: Tap Home.
    • View the curated collection of games from Apple Arcade (subscription required) without ads or in-app purchases: Tap Arcade.
    • Search or browse: Tap the Search button, browse by category or enter what you’re looking for. Then tap the Search button on the onscreen keyboard.
  3. Select a game to see information such as ratings, game controller support, leaderboards, achievements, and more.

    To see additional information like reviews and privacy information, tap View in App Store.

Download or buy a game

  1. Open the Apple Games app on your iPad.
  2. Go to the game you want and tap the price. If the game is free, tap Get.

    If you see the Redownload button instead of the price or Get, you purchased this game before. Tap the Redownload button to download it again for free.

  3. If required, authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to complete your purchase.

    Purchases are made with the payment method associated with your Apple Account.

In a Family Sharing group, a child may have to ask permission before downloading or buying games.

Play a game

  1. Open the Apple Games app on your iPad.
  2. Do any of the following:
    • Play a downloaded game: Tap Library and then tap Play next to the game you want to play.
    • Continue a game: Tap Home, then tap the game in the Continue Playing section.

Quit a game

To quit a game, open Exposé, swipe right to find the game, then swipe up on the game.

See also

Tag: Apple Games
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How to play with friends in the Apple Games app on iPad

by Chris Smith

With the Apple Games app, you can send friend requests, compete on leaderboards, and play with friends during a FaceTime call.

Supported games with Game Center leaderboards let you challenge friends for a high score or a specific goal, and you choose the number of tries and how long it lasts. You can also use AirDrop to invite friends.

Here’s how to play with friends in the Apple Games app on iPad.

Challenge friends

Supported games with Game Center leaderboards let you create a challenge and compete with friends for a high score or specific goal. A challenge turns single-player games into friendly showdowns, with a shared competition within your group. You pick the game and the friends you’d like to invite. Everyone’s results are yours to track as they complete the challenge.

  1. Open the Apple Games app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Friends, then tap Challenge Your Friends.
  3. Select a game and then choose any of the following options:
    • Number of tries: Tap 1 Try, 3 Tries, or Unlimited.
    • Challenge duration: Tap 1 Day, 3 Days, or 1 Week.
    • Add Players: Tap Players, search for a contact or a friend’s Game Center nickname and select the player. Then tap Continue.
  4. Tap Start.

To leave a challenge, select the game, tap the More button, tap Leave Challenge, then tap Leave Challenge again.

Play games with friends during FaceTime calls

You can find and download games in the App Store that support multiplayer gaming with Game Center during a FaceTime call using SharePlay. During the call, open a supported multiplayer game, tap Start SharePlay, then follow the onscreen instructions. See Use SharePlay to watch, listen, and play together in FaceTime.

FaceTime’s screen sharing feature also lets you play any game while on a call. Read our guide, Share your screen in a FaceTime call.

Use AirDrop to invite people to a multiplayer game

To invite nearby friends to multiplayer games that support Game Center, use AirDrop.

  1. Open the game you want to play on your iPad.
  2. Go to the screen where you invite friends.
  3. Hold the display of your iPad a few centimeters from the top of the other person’s iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch.

    A glow emerges from both devices to indicate a connection is being made.

  4. Continue holding your devices near each other until the game appears on the other person’s screen.

See also

Tag: Apple Games
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How to set up your Game Center profile in the Apple Games app on iPad

by Emily Long

Game Center is Apple’s social gaming service that lets you connect with friends, track and compare scores and achievements, compete with other players in challenges, and invite friends to multiplayer games.

In the Apple Games app, you can personalize your Game Center profile with an avatar and a nickname your friends will see, and choose who can see your game activity. You can edit your profile later, too, and manage who can connect with you.

Note: You can’t use the Apple Games app unless you’re signed in to your Apple Account.

Set up your Game Center profile

  1. Start the Apple Games app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Continue and tap Continue again.
  3. Do the following to customize your player profile:
    • Choose your avatar: Tap the Edit button and select an avatar.
    • Create a nickname: To choose a nickname that your friends will see when you play games together, tap Nickname. Then enter a name or choose one of the suggestions.
    • Choose who can see your game activity: Tap an option.
  4. Tap Continue.

You can also set up your Game Center profile by going to the Settings app, then tapping Game Center. Turn on Game Center, then customize your player profile.

Edit your Game Center profile

  1. Start the Apple Games app on your iPad.
  2. Tap your avatar in the top-right corner. Then tap Edit Profile.
  3. Do any of the following:
    • Edit your avatar: Tap the Edit button and select an avatar. Then tap the Done button.
    • Edit your nickname: Tap your current nickname, enter a name or choose one of the suggestions, and then tap the Done button.
  4. When you’re finished, tap the Done button.

You can also edit your Game Center profile by going to the Settings app, tapping Game Center, then tapping Customize Profile.

See also

Tag: Apple Games
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How to explore places with guides in Maps on iPad

by Moses Johnson

Guides are available to help you discover great places around the world to eat, shop, and explore. Guides are automatically updated when new places are added, so you always have the latest recommendations.

You can browse guides by city, interest, or publisher, and view, share, and save the ones you like, and in select U.S. cities, you can see what’s trending, like restaurants or kid-friendly spots.

Here’s how to explore places with guides in Maps on iPad.

Explore the world with guides

  1. Go to the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Scroll down and tap Guides We Love.
  3. Browse by any of the following:
    • City: Tap the Go Down button near the top of the screen and then tap a city. You can also scroll down to the Cities category.
    • Interest: Swipe right to see more interests and tap to browse guides in that group.
    • Publisher: Scroll down to the Browse by Publisher category.

In select U.S. cities, you can see suggestions about what’s trending in the area. Enter “Local Lists” in the search field, tap Guides, then tap a collection, such as restaurants or kid-friendly spots.

View, share, and save a guide

  1. Start the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. To open a guide, tap its cover. To view its contents, scroll down.

    You can also do the following:

    • Save the guide: Tap Add to Guides.
    • Share the guide: Tap Share, then choose an option.
    • See saved guides: Tap Places, then tap Guides. See Organize places in custom guides.
    • Close the guide: Tap the Close button.

Quick tip: App Clips buttons let you do things like reserve a table directly from a guide, so look for them.

See also

Tag: Maps
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How to customize sharing options in an iPad app

by Chris Smith

You can choose which options appear in an app’s Share menu, and change the order in which they appear. You can show or hide an option, add an option to Favorites or remove it, and reorder your Favorites. These changes apply only to the app you’re customizing, though.

Note: These changes affect only the app you’re customizing, so to set up the Share menu in each app, repeat the steps there.

  1. Open a document in the app and tap the Share button.
  2. Swipe left over the row of buttons and then tap More.

    The screen for sharing a photo, with the sharing options immediately below the open photo, including the More button for editing sharing options.

  3. Tap Edit and then do any of the following:

    • Show or hide an option: Tap the control next to the option to turn it on or off.
    • Add an option to Favorites: Tap the Add button.
    • Remove an option from Favorites: Tap the Remove button.
    • Reorder Favorites: Drag the Reorder button next to any option.
  4. Tap Done.

See also

Tag: iPadOS
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How to organize places with custom guides in Maps on iPad

by Emily Long

You can organize places into your own guides for easy reference, and you can share your guides with others.

A guide called Favorites always appears in your guides, which makes it easier to save places. You can add a place to a guide, edit a guide, and add Publisher Guides to your collection, too. You can also pin any places you want to see in your Places.

Here’s how to organize places with custom guides in Maps on iPad.

See your favorites

To make it easier for you to save places to a guide, a guide called Favorites always appears in your guides.

  1. Go to the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Below Your Guides, tap Favorites.

Quick tip: Pin any places you want to see in your Places each time you open Maps. See our guide, Add a pin to your Places.

Create a guide

  1. Open the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Your Guides. Tap the Add to List button.
  3. Enter a name for the guide. Tap the Add Image button to add an image from your photo library.
  4. Tap the Done button.

Add a place to a guide

  1. Open the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Tap a place on the map or a search result.
  3. In a place card, tap the More button and then tap Add to Guides.
  4. Choose one of your guides and tap the Done button.

To add Publisher Guides to your guides as well, see our article, Explore places with guides.

Share a guide

  1. Open the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Your Guides. Tap the guide you want to share.
  3. Tap the Share button at the top of the guide card and choose an option.

Edit a guide that you created

  1. Open the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Your Guides, then tap the guide you want to edit.
  3. Tap the Edit button. Then rename it or do any of the following:
    • Choose a cover image: Tap the Change Image button, tap another image, and tap Choose.
    • Remove places: Tap to select the places you want to delete from the guide and then tap the Delete button.
  4. Tap the Done button.

Remove a guide

  1. Open the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Below Your Guides, tap the More button on the guide you want to remove. Then tap Delete.

See also

Tag: Maps
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How to mark a location with a pin in Maps on iPad

by Tyler Stephen

You can use pins to mark places so you can more easily find those locations later.

You can drop a pin to share a location, or to start or end your route somewhere that isn’t already marked. Pins appear as a row of icons in your Places, and you can get a pin’s latitude and longitude, edit it, or remove it. You can also note your current location with Mark My Location, and get directions to a pin.

Drop a pin

Dropping a pin helps when you want to share a location with someone else, or when your route needs to start or end somewhere that isn’t already marked on the map. Unless you’ve saved them to your Places, only one pin appears at a time.

  1. Go to the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Touch and hold the map until a pin marker appears.

    To refine the location, tap Move, then drag the map.

  3. Tap Pin. To mark several places with pins, save each pin as you drop it.

    Pins appear as a row of icons in your Places when you open the Maps app.

To get directions to the pin, tap the pin, then tap the directions button.

Quick tip: You can note your current location even when the Maps app isn’t open. Touch and hold the Maps icon on the Home Screen and choose Mark My Location. To learn more about quick actions, see our guide, Perform quick actions.

Share a pin

  1. Start the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Do one of the following:
    • Touch and hold the map until a pin marker appears, then tap the Share button (at the top of the card).
    • Tap Places, tap Pinned, swipe left on the pin, then tap Share.
  3. Choose how you want to share it.

Get the latitude and longitude of a pin

  1. Start the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Places, tap Pinned, and then tap the pin.
  3. Swipe up to Coordinates (below Details).
  4. Touch and hold the coordinates and then tap Copy.

Edit a pin

  1. Start the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Places, then tap Pinned.
  3. Tap the Info button. Then do any of the following:
    • Change the name of the pin: Tap in the Label field.
    • Assign it to your Home, Work, or School address: Choose an option below Type.

Note: After you’re prompted to sync Maps to My Card, changing your Home, Work, or School address may mean updating it in both Maps and Contacts. For more, see our article, Add a pin to your Places, and our guide, Complete or edit My Card.

Remove a pin

  1. Start the Maps app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Places, then tap Pinned.
  3. Swipe left on the pinned location, then tap Delete.

You can also tap the Info button, then tap Unpin.

See also

Tag: Maps
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