After inadvertently shaking up the gaming industry, Apple (AAPL +1.05%) unveiled a new feature with even more disruptive potential over the summer. iOS 7 includes support for third-party hardware controllers for the first time, evolving the platform for developers and accessory vendors alike. However, the initial forays are falling flat. Logitech and Moga have each released controllers, but reviews suggest that both fall short. They're overpriced at $100 and build quality and functionality are both lacking. Furthermore, not many games have been optimized for them.
While Apple is typically quite good at spurring innovation within its platform, it's facing more of a challenge this time around. The move faces a chicken-and-egg problem between hardware vendors and game developers. Other companies are targeting Android for handset gaming, as Android has long supported hardware controllers. Expanding iOS further as a gaming platform would be a nice win for Apple, but as it stands there are still plenty of reasons to buy iDevices.
In this segment of Tech Teardown, Erin Kennedy discusses iOS 7 with Evan Niu, CFA, our tech and telecom bureau chief.
