Apple is potentially one of the most influential tech companies in the world right now, and many have wondered: Could they produce a gaming computer? Could they enter the growing gaming PC market? It’s an intriguing thought, especially given how Apple has made strides in introducing powerful iPad and iPhone models for gaming. However, there are some practical and technical reasons why that unlikely to happen anytime soon.
One of the most important considerations is that Apple tends to favor a “closed” system, meaning that the hardware and software are exclusively made by Apple. This reduces the potential for compatibility issues, as the hardware and software from the same originator, making it easy for Apple products to seamlessly talk to each other — a boon for the company’s loyal customers. On the flip side, however, Apple’s closed system philosophy doesn’t account for the varied needs of gaming PCs. Furthermore, Mac OS X and Windows aren’t particularly compatible, and the same can’t be said of Apple hardware.
Another issue that could potentially impede the production of a gaming computer from Apple is cost. Apple computers typically command a premium price — and rightly so, given the quality of their products — but the cost would be a major factor for gamers, who are sometimes on tight budgets when it comes to their gaming rigs. Even if Apple were able to produce a low-power, entry-level gaming model that was relatively inexpensive, the cost could still be a barrier for some gamers.
Finally, Apple doesn’t have a history in gaming. The company’s efforts have predominantly been focused on general computing, and while they’ve seen some success in the gaming space with the introduction of gaming-focused iPad models and the iPhone, they’re still fairly new to the gaming landscape. This could be a major obstacle for the company in creating a gaming PC, as there’d be a higher expectation of performance and reliability.
Support for Third-Party Peripherals
In addition to the aforementioned hurdles, there’s also the issue of support for third-party peripherals. When it comes to gaming, PC gamers love to customize and upgrade with the latest, cutting-edge peripherals — from headsets, to controllers, to mouse and keyboards — and make their gaming rigs truly unique. However, Apple has a history of not supporting many of these peripherals, which would be a major obstacle for customers looking to purchase a gaming PC from the company.
Having the ability to customize and upgrade elements of the gaming PC can provide a more enjoyable user experience, and Apple would likely have to account for these practical considerations if they ever decide to enter the gaming PC market. Furthermore, third-party peripherals are usually cheaper than Apple’s exclusive models, meaning that customers would be able to save money on gaming accessories if their rig supports them.
Finally, the culture and loyalty surrounding gaming could also be a thorn in Apple’s side. Unlike some of their other products, like the iPod and iPhone, many gamers express a fierce loyalty to either PC or console gaming. This could potentially hurt Apple’s chances at quickly breaking into the gaming PC market, as many console gamers are entrenched in their habits and not likely to switch.
Advantages of an Apple Gaming PC
Despite the aforementioned obstacles, it is possible that an Apple gaming PC could have a few advantages over competitive gaming rigs. For one, Apple products are renowned for their design — and gaming PCs could be no exception. Many competitive rigs are created with efficiency in mind, making them largely utilitarian in nature. That’s not to say they can’t be aesthetically pleasing, but the Apple brand is well-known for its high levels of craftsmanship, which could potentially make it stand out from the crowd.
In addition, Apple might also be able to provide cool features that aren’t available on other gaming PCs. For example, the company could offer special features that take advantage of the iPhone’s unique capabilities, such as increased streaming and cloud storage. Furthermore, the integration between Apple’s hardware and software could be a major selling point, given how well-designed and reliable both tend to be.
Finally, given Apple’s track record of producing powerful products, a gaming PC from the American tech giant could have a fair amount of graphical power. Apple has consistently pushed the boundaries when it comes to hardware — such as their use of powerful processors, graphics cards, and RAM — and it’s a fair bet that they could bring the same philosophy to gaming PCs. This could potentially give gamers a new choice if they’re looking for top-of-the-line hardware.
Software
In order for an Apple gaming PC to be successful, the company would also need to offer a wide range of software. This is something Apple has been traditionally weak in, due to its closed system, but it could overcome issues from a lack of software support with partnerships. The company could potentially partner with major gaming developers — such as Ubisoft and Blizzard Entertainment — as well as digital distributors like Steam, to give gamers an extensive library of titles to choose from.
Furthermore, Apple could also potentially leverage its App Store technology to help curate games for its gaming PCs. By offering tightly curated titles and gaming experiences, Apple could make it easier for gamers to find the games they’re looking for, and help them discover new ones. This could potentially be a major draw for Apple’s gaming PCs, as gamers are always on the lookout for new and interesting titles.
Finally, Apple could potentially make use of exclusive services, like Apple Music and Apple TV. By providing access to exclusive services and content, Apple could give consumers an incentive to purchase their gaming PCs over competitors. This, combined with their already solid hardware and software support, could give customers a sense of confidence that their gaming rigs are getting the best-in-class experience.
The Verdict
Currently, there’s no indication that Apple intends to enter the gaming PC market. Their focus has generally been on creating powerful devices for their loyal customers, and gaming PCs could easily complicate things. Moreover, the cost and effort involved in creating such a device could prove too challenging for the company.
However, it’s not entirely impossible. If Apple were to focus on creating a streamlined gaming experience in terms of both hardware and software, and couple it with easy access to exclusive services, they could have the makings of a compelling gaming PC. Ultimately, however, the choice will be up to Apple — and we’ll just have to wait and see if they decide to join the gaming PC market any time soon.
