Apple's Ambitious Move with AAA Games on iPhone 15 Pro Faces Challenges

Apple's latest endeavor in the world of gaming involves introducing high-end AAA games to its iPhone 15 Pro models. This move signifies a significant shift from traditional mobile games to offerings that rival console experiences. However, this ambitious step is not without its challenges.

Challenges with High-End Games on Mobile

Apple's iPhone 15 Pro, equipped with advanced hardware, is the first of its kind to support ray tracing, a feature typically reserved for powerful gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5. However, the iPhone's processing capabilities still lag behind these gaming giants. Despite this, Apple has incorporated Metal upscaling technology, similar to DLSS, which uses machine learning to enhance game resolution.

During a hands-on experience with AAA titles such as Death Stranding and Resident Evil 4 on the iPhone, it became evident that these games are either in the early stages of development or may not provide the optimal gaming experience on a mobile device. Resident Evil 4, while remarkable for running on a phone, suffered from frequent frame drops, significantly impacting the gameplay.

The Limitations of Mobile Gaming

One notable issue is the necessity of an external controller for an optimal experience, adding to the cost and complexity of mobile gaming. The early version of Resident Evil 4 (2023) tested showed potential for improvement, but its performance paled in comparison to other high-quality mobile games like Honkai: Star Rail and Diablo Immortal, which are tailored for mobile platforms.

Apple's Stance on Mobile Gaming

The focus on bringing console-level games to mobile devices, like Resident Evil 4, seems to overshadow Apple's achievements in enhancing mobile-specific games. These games, designed for mobile platforms, offer a superior experience without the need for additional hardware or compromises in performance.

Apple's Strategy and the Future of Mobile Gaming

It appears that titles like Resident Evil 4 and Death Stranding may serve more as demonstrations of the A17 Pro chipset's capabilities rather than delivering a fully-fledged gaming experience. Apple has already shown its understanding of successful mobile gaming through Apple Arcade, suggesting that the company is aware of what works best for mobile gamers.