In a surprising twist following its courtroom setback against Epic Games, Apple is shaking things up in the mobile gaming arena! The tech titan, known for its substantial cut from app sales, is making bold moves to regain its footing after being forced to change its purchasing policies.

Just last week, Apple made headlines by acquiring its first-ever game studio, RAC7, known for the popular game Sneaky Sasquatch. But that’s not all — whispers of a new dedicated video game app, set to debut on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV later this year, are sending shockwaves through the industry.

Could Unity Be Next?

Industry expert Joost van Dreunen, who describes himself as the "Video Games Professor," has floated a tantalizing theory: could Apple be setting its sights on acquiring Unity Technologies? This company is famed for its Unity engine, the powerhouse behind over 70% of mobile games, and a rival of Epic.

In his intriguing analysis, van Dreunen argues that acquiring Unity would allow Apple to eliminate direct competition by blocking Unity’s own consumer-facing initiatives, while also strengthening its position against Epic. An integrated toolchain for mobile game development and monetization could enhance Apple's ecosystem, offering creators a more robust platform.

Unity's Current Market Position

Now might just be the perfect time for Apple to strike: Unity's market cap sits at approximately $8.9 billion, a significant drop from its pandemic-era peak of $56 billion. With Apple's staggering ~$3 trillion net worth, this acquisition is not just feasible—it would redefine the gaming landscape!

If this deal goes through, it would mark Apple’s biggest acquisition ever, surpassing its purchase of Beats for $3 billion. But remember, this is all speculation from van Dreunen himself, who cautions that this should be viewed as a provocative "What if?" scenario rather than a sure thing.

As of now, both Apple and Unity remain tight-lipped about these predictions, leaving fans and industry insiders eagerly waiting to see what Apple's next strategic move in the mobile gaming world will be!