The Internet this week is awash with rumors, again, that Apple will launch a subscription-based gaming service (beyond iTunes) in the US and perhaps worldwide during 2019 or 2020.

The idea makes sense.

If Apple can persuade 10% of its global customer base to pony up $10 every month for streaming, cloud or downloadable games, it will quickly deliver $1 billion of extra annual operating profit for Tim Cook.

Any renewed assault by Apple on the mobile gaming industry will inevitably cause a headache for Sony, Microsoft or Nintendo. For example, millions of handheld Switch and legacy Wii U gamers could be tempted to spend more cash with Apple than Nintendo in the future.

This is a popular topic at the moment.

Our EDT (Techs) service recently analyzed the "rise of the gaming phone" here.