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Updated · 9to5Mac · Jun 29Apple Acquires 2025 Design Award Winner Play, Pulls App From App Store
1 articles · Updated · 9to5Mac · Jun 29Summary
- Apple disclosed an asset purchase of Rabbit 3 Times' Play app in an EU filing and has already removed the app from the App Store.
- Play won Apple's 2025 Design Award for Innovation and let designers build interactive SwiftUI prototypes across Mac and iPhone with real-time syncing.
- The disclosure surfaced because the EU Digital Markets Act requires certain large tech companies to report acquisitions to the European Commission.
- Apple has not said what comes next, but Play's prototyping tools could be folded into Xcode or reappear as part of Apple's developer software lineup.
Insights
Will Apple's acquisition of Play supercharge Xcode for developers or simply eliminate a beloved independent tool? Under the EU's watchful eye, is Apple's latest buy a boost for innovation or a blow to competition?