As always, Apple could not say everything about the new features coming to iOS 16, the future iPhone update that will further improve the user experience (with customizable locked screens, for example). Thus, we learn thanks to an article by 9TO5Mac, published on June 6, 2022, that the smartphone of the Cupertino company will soon be compatible with the Joy-Con of the Nintendo Switch.
The information was confirmed by Nat Brown, engineer at Apple. In a tweet posted on June 7he announces that more controllers are already compatible with the betas of future iOS, iPadOS (iPad), tvOS (Apple TV) and macOS (Mac). Riley Testut, developer, also tested the Pro Controller – pad with a more classic Switch design – with success. This will also apply to products designed by the 8Bitdo brand, or the MOGA XP5-X from PowerA.
With iOS 16, the iPhone becomes… a Switch?
According to Riley Testut’s experiments, iOS 16 is able to operate the Joy-Con individually or in pairs (like the Switch). Nat Brown also provides a little trick to switch from one configuration to another: when the two are paired with the iPhone, just hold the two bottom buttons (capture on the left and home on the right) to switch from one gaming experience to another.
In short, the iPhone will be able to become a Switch at the end of the year, when iOS 16 will be available for everyone. Above all, we see a boon to facilitate transport: a single Joy-Con can slip more easily into a bag (or even a pocket) than a normal controller. To improvise parts on the go, this is excellent news. And, more generally, it’s always good to have a choice, knowing that the iPhone has been compatible for several years with PlayStation and Xbox accessories (follow the guide for configuration).
We are now waiting for the company to design an iPhone case capable of accommodating a Joy-Con on each side. Which would literally turn your iPhone into a Switch.
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