Apple Developing iPhone Game Controllers Likely to Launch Under Beats [Report]

Apple has been developing game controllers for the iPhone for more than a year and is likely to sell them under the Beats brand, according to Mark Gurman.


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The company reportedly sees an opportunity to compete with popular third-party controllers as the market continues to grow. Gurman says he has consistently heard the products are destined for Beats, with executives from the brand leading their conception and engineering.


Beats would also give Apple some flexibility on price and design. A controller aimed at a broad gaming audience would need to be relatively affordable, making some of the more expensive materials and finishes associated with Apple hardware less practical.

The project surfaced in macOS code earlier this month. References discovered by pdfu in macOS 26.7 RC1 revealed two unannounced controllers identified as T6502 and T1057. The references were removed in the second release candidate.

Both were described as Made for iPhone extended gamepads with the controls expected on a modern controller, including A, B, X, and Y buttons, a directional pad, two clickable thumbsticks, shoulder buttons, analog triggers, and Home and Menu buttons.


T6502 appeared to connect over USB and included separate haptic feedback for its left and right handles. T1057 appeared to support wired and Bluetooth connectivity, motion sensing, and several haptic effects. It could also identify over USB using either Apple or Beats vendor information, an early clue that the controller might ultimately carry Beats branding.

Beats has moved beyond headphones in recent years with iPhone cases and USB-C charging cables. Game controllers would further expand that accessory lineup and complement the Games app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Apple has not announced either controller, and no launch date or pricing was provided.