Apple’s “best game console” line was an ambitious claim about the iPhone 15 Pro as a portable gaming platform—not an independent verdict that it beats a PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch. In a September 2023 interview, Apple GPU software director Jeremy Sandmel said the iPhone was “going to be the best game console.” Apple executive Tim Millet immediately clarified that the company was focused on developers and games, “less on trying to compete with consoles.”
What Apple meant by “the best game console”
Sandmel made the remark while discussing Apple’s gaming push for the iPhone 15 Pro. Read in context, it was promotional positioning for a phone that could run selected demanding games natively, rather than evidence of a measured win against dedicated gaming hardware. Millet’s qualification is important: Apple described its priority as bringing developers and titles to the platform, not replacing PlayStation or Xbox.
The distinction is between a device’s gaming capability and the experience of a dedicated console. A phone can offer console-style games in a pocketable form without matching a console’s game library, controls, sustained performance, or living-room setup.
What was behind Apple’s claim
A17 Pro graphics
Apple pointed to the A17 Pro chip, including its six-core GPU. At launch, Apple said GPU performance was up to 20% faster than the previous generation and highlighted hardware-accelerated ray tracing. These are Apple’s stated figures and features, not a controlled comparison with a PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Strong Adsorption】The inspiration of the silicone phone suction case comes from the adhesive force of the octopus. Each suction cup phone mount is 3.15 inches long and 2.17 inches wide, with 24 independent suction cups providing a stronger and more stable suction force, so you don't have to worry about your phone falling during use.
- 【Back of Phone Suction Grip】Remove the adhesive film on the phone suction cup and stick it on the phone case. You can then fix the phone on any smooth surface, which is very convenient. (The phone suction cup cannot be removed and reused after being attached to the phone case. It is recommended to attach it to a regular phone case, not a valuable one.)
- 【Widely Used】Our non-slip silicone phone sticky grip mount attaches to almost any flat phone case and make it compatible with common mobile phones such as iPhone and Android.You can shoot, watch videos or video calls in the kitchen, gym, dance studio, bathroom and other places.
- 【Capture the Wonderful Picture】Whether you are a TikTok creator or just like to share videos and photos, this phone suction cup can help you hands-free capture wonderful videos and photos for sharing with friends.
- 【Note】You can fix the phone suction cup on a smooth surface such as a mirror or glass. If necessary, wipe the suction cup with a damp cloth to obtain stronger suction. Before releasing your hand, make sure the phone is firmly fixed. (Not applicable to rough walls, wooden surfaces, and other uneven surfaces)
Native versions of major games
Apple promoted native iPhone versions of games including Resident Evil 4, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, and Death Stranding. Native versions run on the device; they are not simply cloud-game streams. Apple also said hardware-accelerated ray tracing was four times faster than software ray tracing, and named Resident Evil Village, Resident Evil 4, Death Stranding Director’s Cut, and Assassin’s Creed Mirage among the games benefiting from the feature. Those claims describe Apple’s technology and announced support, not a guarantee that every title would be available immediately or perform identically in every session.
Apple’s focus on sustained play
Apple product-marketing executive Kaiann Drance said the company worked across its system-on-chip and software teams to sustain frame rates, graphics, and battery life. That is Apple’s description of its design goal; the cited material does not establish universal sustained performance through independent benchmark testing.
Rank #2
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with USB-C plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
- COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a USB-C port.
- INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
Can the iPhone 15 Pro run PS5-quality games?
It can run selected ambitious games made for iPhone, including native ports of titles also released on dedicated platforms. That does not mean the iPhone 15 Pro is a PS5-equivalent system or that it runs every console game. The announced ports show that developers can adapt substantial games for the phone; they do not establish parity in graphics settings, frame rates, session length, or overall experience.
A fair comparison also depends on what matters to you: portability and connectivity, the depth and timing of the game library, performance over long sessions, control options, display setup, and the total cost of the phone and any accessories. The cited material offers no controlled head-to-head benchmark against PS5, Xbox, or Switch, so a categorical performance ranking is not supported.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesRank #3
- Secure Hold: Our PopSockets adhesive phone grip gives your cell phone a secure, comfortable hold in hand to help prevent drops while texting, taking photos, or scrolling on the go. Designed to stick firmly to most phone cases and devices.
- Hands-Free Made Easy: Easily turn your PopSocket into a phone stand to prop up your phone anywhere, perfect for watching videos, video calls, or following recipes. A must-have phone holder that keeps your device secure and ready for anything.
- Compatibility: Works with all phones, tablets, and Kindles. Sticks best to smooth, hard plastic cases and may not adhere to silicone or textured cases. Easily swap your PopTop to change up your style.
- Black PopSockets: Simple, refined, and endlessly versatile. A timeless essential for any phone.
- Travel Must-Have for People On the Go: A must-have travel accessory for flights, flying, airports, air travel, airplanes, planes, international trips, cruises, and long travel days. Key gadget for your airport haul, travel accessories and must-haves.
Which major games were announced, and were they all available at launch?
Apple highlighted Resident Evil 4, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, and Death Stranding as examples of major games coming to the iPhone 15 Pro. Announcements were not the same as immediate availability: in December 2023, 9to5Mac reported that Death Stranding Director’s Cut for iPhone, iPad, and Mac had been delayed and given a later release window. Check the game’s current listing and device requirements before buying; the launch announcement alone does not confirm current availability.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do you need a Backbone controller?
No. Touch controls can work for some games, while others may be better suited to a physical controller. Drance said developers decide whether a game supports touch, an external controller, or both. Apple specifically demonstrated the Backbone controller with the iPhone 15 Pro, but presented it as an option rather than a requirement. Check the controls supported by the particular game you want to play before choosing an accessory.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【PKYAA Double Sided Silicone Suction Phone Case Mount】PKYAA With Double Sided 40 Strong and Reliable individual suction cups, PKYAA provides a thicken and upgraded universal silicon suction mount for your phone.
- 【Friendly to Content Creators】If you are a content creator or an online influencer, you can create videos anywhere with this suction mount completely hands free with this silicone cell phone mount for cases.
- 【HANDS-FREE & Adhere to Mirrors】This Double Sided silicone suction phone case mount allows you to stick your phone to the mirror easily. No longer holding your phone in one hand to watch video tutorials while making up.
- 【Strong Grip on the Smooth Surface】You can easily hang your phone anywhere with a smooth surface. All you do is you clean off your phone and smooth surface. It is STURDY and it not only sticks to mirrors, it also sticks to windows, it sticks to refrigerators, tiles and other clean, flat surfaces.
- 【Press Down Firmly Every 30 Minutes】Use your palm or fingers to press the phone down firmly and check it's secure before letting go. Apply even pressure for a few seconds to allow the suction cup to adhere properly. To maintain the grip and prevent accidental falls, it's a good practice to periodically reapply pressure to the suction cup.
Rank #4
- [360 ° Flexible Rotation Design] Comes with a rotatable lanyard ring that supports 360 ° free rotation, effectively solving the problem of twisted and tangled lanyards
- [Wide compatibility] The ultra-thin 0.02-inch design does not block the charging port at all, and both wired and wireless charging can be used directly without removing the pad. Compatible with most smartphones such as iPhone, compatible with various wristbands, lanyards, crossbody straps, and keychains
- [Durable and Portable Material] Premium rust-resistant stainless steel material with good flexibility, which not only avoids scratching the phone case, but also has excellent anti rust and anti fading performance
- [Multi scenario Practical] Paired with a lanyard or wristband, hands-free use can be achieved. The phone is within reach and not easily dropped, ideal for daily commuting and outdoor activities. Suitable for full coverage phone cases, does not support half coverage phone cases
- [Quality Service] If you find any damage or other issues with the product upon receipt, please contact us immediately. We will handle it quickly
How to judge the claim for your own use
- Choose the iPhone for portability: Its strongest case is having selected substantial games available on a device you already carry, rather than serving as a direct replacement for a dedicated console.
- Check the specific game: A headline about native ports does not tell you whether a particular title is released, compatible, or controlled the way you prefer.
- Consider the whole setup: Touch may be enough for some play; a compatible external controller may suit other games. The phone’s cost and any accessory belong in the comparison.
- Separate claims from proof: Apple’s performance and ray-tracing statements describe the company’s claims. They do not amount to an independent, sustained head-to-head test against console hardware.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
