The gaming tablet market has been touted as one which will reach a $3 billion valuation in the next few years alone. Apple owns 70% of said market with their phenomenally successful iPad and they're apparently looking to branch out in terms of gaming accessories for the iOS device; the world's richest company are seemingly developing a physical controller for their new, recently released iPad.
In writing for AnandTech's review of the new iPad, the site states that they have been made aware of a project Apple are working on; they company are due to release an official controller for iOS platforms starting with the third generation iPad:
"I know of an internal Apple project to bring a physical controller to market. But whether or not it will ever see the light of day remains to be seen."
Gaming on iOS, as applied to Google's Android platform, has become more and more popular with studios. A research firm stated both iOS and Android features a combined share game software in the United States from 19% in 2009 to an 58% by the latter stages of 2011. Clearly, then, Apple would be capitalizing on an opportunity that could reap benefits for them.
Source: AppleInsider
