It has been a long time coming, but PlayStation is finally implementing support for DualShock 4 controllers on iOS devices. Apple made the announcement Monday during its Worldwide Developers Conference, confirming that DualShock 4 controller support was in the works. That said, it sounds like the PlayStation/Apple agreement to add controller support is tied to a certain schedule, as DualShock 4 support won't actually be added until fall of this year.

Those with both an iOS device and a DualShock 4 controller will, once the technology is implemented, be able to sync their controller with their device of choice. That includes cell phones, iPad tablets, and Apple TV.

Apple has a very good reason to encourage controller manufacturers like PlayStation to implement support right now. Also confirmed during today's WWDC is that supported controllers, including the DualShock 4 and Xbox One controller, will work with Apple's new Apple Arcade service. Apple Arcade will be a subscription service that grants access to a library of games without any monetization. Arcade subscribers will now also be able to use the controller of their choice.

Today's announcements are clearly tied together. Game controllers are being implemented on iOS as part of Apple's efforts to improve its services for core game players. The planned launch of the new controller tech, fall 2019, coincides with the release window of Apple Arcade, also in fall 2019. Barring an issue, they'll likely come on the same day.

It really can't be understated how meaningful of a move this appears to be by Apple. DualShock 4 support has been long-implemented on Android. It's never been an issue of whether PlayStation could implement support, but whether Apple would allow them to, and now Apple is doing what it can to make it happen. It seems that Apple Arcade is causing somewhat of a transformation within the company. Whether it's successful or not will likely determine whether or not that transformation continues.

Expect more news on Apple Arcade and its games line-up, as well as assorted new features like the implementation of support for DualShock 4 controllers, in the weeks  and months to come.

Source: CNet