Apple Makes Major Announcement for Madden NFL 27
With NFL training camps set to start later this month, Apple made a major announcement Tuesday for fans of America's favorite sport.
Soon anyone with a compatible Apple device and an Apple Arcade subscription will be able to pick up and play the gridiron game in one of multiple formats, but that's not the best part.
They can do so without worrying about being inundated with ads or bothered by micro transactions and
A new Madden experience
The biggest news of the day: EA SPORTS Madden 27 is coming to the Apple Arcade, marking the iconic franchise's debut in the subscription service.
Starting Aug. 6, users with access to the Apple Arcade will be able to download a version of the newest Madden game for no additional cost.
And when we say, "No additional cost," we mean it.
The game is part of the Apple Arcade subscription ($6.99 by itself or included in AppleOne, which bundles other Apple subscriptions for $19.95 per month or more depending on the tier) so there are no microtransactions that are a part of many games in the App Store and the console versions of Madden games.
(Madden Mobile has been available for iOS for more than a decade, but this will be the first time for an Arcade edition.)
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What modes are included in Madden 27 Arcade Edition?
Apple says the game will be specifically designed for its arcade and include Quick Play and Franchise modes giving fans the ability to pick up and jump right into a game or take on the role of general manager trying to build a Super Bowl contender.
The Franchise mode will have a weekly story engine presenting new challenges and narratives to keep the game fresh, and players can expect regular roster updates and more modes over time according to EA.
That will begin with an "Off-season" content season to present players with a chance to build their team from scratch with a fantasy draft.
In addition to a standard NFL season mode, Madden 27 Arcade Edition will also have an International Franchise mode that lets players lead their team across the globe to play in famous stadiums outside the U.S. in a global tournament.
Madden 27 Arcade Edition will be available for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Vision Pro and Apple TV.
On top of that, EA says wireless controllers can be used with all of those devices to better recreate the classic console feel of Madden for the first time on mobile.
Other football games also coming to Apple Arcade
Apple also confirmed a new season of Retro Bowl '27 is on the way Sept. 3.
Like Madden, it includes both NFL and NFL Players Association licenses so players will find official franchises and more than 2,000 real players in those games.
The difference is Retro Bowl is a simplified side-scrolling, pixelated experience reminiscent of 1980s/90s classic Tecmo Bowl. That means you can see what Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson and more current stars would look like in a game made before they were even born.
Retro Bowl '27 modes include its own version of franchise play called Gauntlet mode that calls for a player to win 15 games in a row while powering up and upgrading players to see who emerges with the most points when all is said and done.
If college football is more your style, that is also on the way via a new release called Retro Bowl College+ from developer New Star R&D Ltd. (also the publisher of Retro Bowl '27).
Set to be available Aug. 6, the college version will bring access to 250 teams but not real players.
Instead, gamers can edit conferences, bowl games and teams for use in an Exhibition or League Style modes.
Apple building big sports library
All of this is part of an apparent strategy by Apple to beef up sports content in its subscription service.
The football games join such titles as NBA 2K, Mini Football Legends, Football Manager 26 Touch and PGA Tour Pro Golf in the Apple Arcade.
"Apple Arcade is the perfect home for Madden as a premium platform that matches the complete, no-compromise experience we've built," EA vice present of franchise strategy and marketing Evan Dexter said in a news release. "Whether you're playing on your iPhone on the go or on Apple TV with friends and family, the future of football is now in your hands."
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jul 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published July 14, 2026 at 12:22 PM.