Block Blast on Apple Arcade is becoming a reality on 3 September 2026, giving subscribers an ad-free way to play the popular grid-based puzzle game. Apple has also confirmed that Art of Fauna: Cozy Puzzles+ will arrive on the same day, alongside three other additions to the service.
The update is particularly useful for iPhone and iPad owners who enjoy quick puzzle sessions but would rather avoid advertising and in-app purchases. Here is what is coming, which devices are supported, and what existing or prospective subscribers should know.
What Apple announced for September
In an official Apple Newsroom update dated 11 August, Apple said Block Blast!+ and Art of Fauna: Cozy Puzzles+ will join Apple Arcade on Thursday, 3 September.
They will arrive with three additional titles: NFL Retro Bowl ’27, Coloring Games for Families+ and Let’s Play! Oink Games+. The announcement is confirmed news rather than a rumour, and both 9to5Mac and MacRumors have also reported the September date.
What Block Blast on Apple Arcade includes
Block Blast!+ uses a straightforward puzzle format: players place block shapes on a grid and clear completed rows or columns. The concept is simple enough for a short commute or coffee break, while combinations and high-score chasing add longer-term challenge.
The important difference in the Apple Arcade version is the business model. Apple says subscribers can play without ads. Apple Arcade games also do not include in-app purchases, so the experience should be less interrupted than many free-to-play mobile games.
That does not necessarily mean progress or features will transfer from an existing free version. Apple has not detailed save migration in its announcement, so current players should check the App Store listing when Block Blast!+ goes live rather than assume their scores will carry across.
Art of Fauna offers a calmer puzzle experience
Art of Fauna: Cozy Puzzles+ takes a very different approach. It combines jigsaw-style puzzles, nature-inspired artwork and stories about wildlife and conservation. The original title received a 2025 App Store Award for Cultural Impact.
Accessibility is a central part of the design. Apple highlights features intended to make the game welcoming to a broader range of players. That makes it an interesting counterpoint to the score-focused loop of Block Blast!+: one is built around fast pattern recognition, while the other encourages a slower and more reflective session.
Other Apple Arcade game updates in August
Subscribers do not need to wait until September for fresh content. Apple’s schedule includes several August updates:
- 12 August: puffies. adds 28 new packs, including two themed artwork collections.
- 20 August: Simon’s Cat – Blast Time begins adding 200 levels, delivered in batches of 50 each week.
- 26 August: stitch. reaches 800 hoops and adds a commemorative hoop and achievement.
Together with established puzzle titles such as Grindstone, Flow Free+ and Crossword Jam+, the additions make puzzle games an increasingly substantial part of the Arcade catalogue.
Which Apple devices can play the new games?
Apple Arcade Originals can generally run across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro. However, titles classed as App Store Greats are available on iPhone, iPad and Apple Vision Pro. Exact compatibility can vary by game and software version, so check each App Store product page before downloading.
One subscription can be shared with up to five other people through Family Sharing. Australian pricing can change, so readers should confirm the current local cost in the Arcade tab of the App Store rather than relying on US pricing quoted in Apple’s announcement.
Should Apple users take action?
Existing subscribers do not need to do anything now. The new games should appear in the Arcade tab when they become available, and users can turn on automatic app updates if they want subsequent content releases promptly.
If you are considering joining primarily for Block Blast!+, waiting until 3 September is sensible. You can then check device compatibility and compare the ad-free experience with the version you already play. Families may receive more value because one eligible subscription can cover the Family Sharing group.
Before installing several large games, check available storage and use Wi-Fi if your mobile data allowance is limited. For more Apple service and software coverage, see our guide to the recent App Store subscription price rules.
Final thoughts
Apple’s September update is not a hardware launch, but it is a meaningful addition for mobile puzzle fans. Bringing Block Blast!+ to Apple Arcade removes ads and in-app purchases, while Art of Fauna: Cozy Puzzles+ adds an accessible, thoughtful alternative. The two games arrive on 3 September, with more Arcade updates rolling out throughout August.
FAQs
When is Block Blast coming to Apple Arcade?
Apple says Block Blast!+ will be available through Apple Arcade on 3 September 2026.
Will Block Blast!+ have ads or in-app purchases?
No. Apple says the Arcade edition will be ad-free, and Apple Arcade titles do not include in-app purchases.
What else joins Apple Arcade on 3 September?
The lineup includes Art of Fauna: Cozy Puzzles+, NFL Retro Bowl ’27, Coloring Games for Families+ and Let’s Play! Oink Games+.
Can I play Apple Arcade games on a Mac or Apple TV?
Many Arcade Originals support iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV and Apple Vision Pro. App Store Greats have a narrower device list, and compatibility varies, so verify the listing for each game.
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