Apple Announces PS4 / Xbox One Controller Support For iPhone, Apple TV

Apple hosted its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) today with a bevy of announcements for both its hardware and software. Kicking the conference off was an unexpected surprise: PS4 and Xbox One controller support is headed to both iPhone (via iOS 13) and the Apple TV.

According to Apple's official iOS 13 features preview, the upcoming software update--slated to launch this fall--will allow PS4 and Xbox One controllers to work on iPhones via Bluetooth compatibility. With Apple's tvOS update--also slated to launch this fall--both controllers will work on the Apple TV as well. As a CNET report states, Apple hasn't confirmed whether all controller features--such as rumble vibration and headphone functionality--will work once both products receive their respective updates.

The news comes not long after the California-based company unveiled its gaming streaming service, Apple Arcade. The monthly subscription service is expected to launch this fall, and while pricing remains undisclosed, Apple has confirmed that a lot of developers--including Konami, Sega, Sumo Digital, and more--are working on bringing games to the platform. Some titles include Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm, Team Sonic Racing, The Artful Escape, Where Cards Fall, and more.

In other WWDC news, iOS 13 will introduce the highly-requested dark mode feature to the entire platform. The iPad is getting its own software titled iPadOS and will implement new features like a column view for better multitasking. A dedicated app store is heading to the Apple Watch which will make downloads much easier and more streamlined. Apple also brought back the Mac Pro with 28 cores, a six-channel memory system, eight PCI expansion slots, and more.

The Apple TV got a 4K overhaul in September 2017 and is currently available for $179. CNET called the device an answer for those who have a 4K HDR TV and lots of iTunes purchases.