TL;DR
Apple Arcade will add Sid Meier’s Civilization VII Arcade Edition and three smaller games on February 5. The Civilization entry is billed as a portable adaptation of the AAA PC strategy franchise playable across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
What happened
Apple announced a new drop of titles for its subscription gaming service, led by Sid Meier’s Civilization VII Arcade Edition, which becomes available to Apple Arcade subscribers on Thursday, February 5. The company frames the release as a mobile-ready version of the long-running strategy series, with gameplay that spans distinct historical ages and lets players shape the cultural trajectory of their civilizations. Apple says the Arcade Edition brings the series’ AAA PC experience to iPhone, iPad, and Mac so users can play on the go. Alongside Civilization VII, the February 5 slate includes three additional releases: Retrocade (an arcade-style collection), Felicity’s Door (a music and rhythm title), and I Love Hue Too+ (a puzzle game). Apple Arcade continues to be offered as a standalone monthly subscription or as part of Apple One.
Why it matters
- A major PC franchise joining Apple Arcade could broaden the service’s appeal beyond casual mobile players.
- Bringing a AAA strategy title to iPhone, iPad, and Mac highlights Apple’s push for more premium, cross-device gaming on its platforms.
- New additions diversify the catalog with different genres—strategy, arcade, rhythm, and puzzle—potentially increasing usage among subscribers.
Key facts
- Civilization VII Arcade Edition launches on Apple Arcade on February 5.
- The Arcade Edition is described as a portable adaptation of the long-running Civilization franchise.
- Apple says the game will be playable across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
- Three additional titles arrive the same day: Retrocade, Felicity’s Door, and I Love Hue Too+.
- Apple Arcade is available standalone for $6.99/month or as part of the Apple One bundle.
- Apple Arcade offers access to over 200 games and is described as having no ads or in-app purchases.
- The announcement and description of Civilization VII come via an Apple press release.
- The Civilization franchise is attributed to veteran designer Sid Meier in Apple’s materials.
What to watch next
- Whether the Arcade Edition includes the same features and modes as the PC release — not confirmed in the source.
- If cross-save or cross-play functionality is supported across iPhone, iPad, and Mac — not confirmed in the source.
- Early player and critic reception to how the AAA strategy experience performs on mobile hardware — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Apple Arcade: A subscription game service from Apple that provides access to a catalog of games on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV without ads or in-app purchases.
- AAA: An industry term for large-budget, high-profile video games typically developed and marketed by major studios.
- Arcade Edition: A label often used to indicate a version of a game adapted or optimized for a particular platform or play style; specifics vary by release.
- Cross-save: A feature that allows a player’s game progress to be shared and continued across multiple devices or platforms.
Reader FAQ
When does Civilization VII arrive on Apple Arcade?
February 5.
Which devices will be able to run the Arcade Edition?
Apple says it will be playable on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
How much does Apple Arcade cost?
Apple Arcade is available standalone for $6.99/month or as part of the Apple One bundle.
Will the Civilization VII Arcade Edition have in-app purchases or ads?
Apple Arcade is described as offering games without ads or in-app purchases.
Will Civilization VII support multiplayer or cross-save?
not confirmed in the source
Apple debuts ‘Apple Creator Studio’ subscription, here’s what you get Chance Miller Jan 13 2026 APPLE ARCADE Apple Arcade is getting Civilization VII and three more new games Ryan Christoffel…
Sources
- Apple Arcade is getting Civilization VII and three more new games
- Apple Arcade Added These Games in March and You Can …
- CIV 7 is coming to Mac on day one with these massive …
- Review: Civilization VII (PC)
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