With hundreds of millions of global installs, Block Blast! has emerged as a juggernaut in the puzzle gaming world. This September, the sensation will join Apple Arcade with an ad-free model, creating a new way for fans to enjoy the hit title just as download rates start to decelerate.
Apple Arcade welcomes Block Blast!+ in September
Apple revealed on Tuesday that Block Blast!+, offered without ads, will be added to Apple Arcade for its subscribers on September 3. This release brings one of the mobile market’s most successful games into Apple’s subscription library, answering long-standing player frustrations over persistent advertising interruptions.
The puzzle giant approaches a new era
According to Appfigures, Block Blast! has amassed an extraordinary 725 million lifetime installs, with some sources estimating as many as 868 million installs. The title notched the top spot as the most downloaded free iPhone game in 2025 based on Apple’s official metrics. So far in 2026, Hungry Studio, the developer, alongside analytics firm Sensor Tower, affirm that Block Blast! still claims the global number one spot for downloads.
Despite maintained popularity, recent trends suggest that Block Blast!’s earlier surge in downloads—peaking at as much as 50 million per month in late 2024—has tapered off. The game now seems to be transitioning from an explosive growth stage to a more sustained phase, providing an ideal moment for its debut in a curated service like Apple Arcade.
Block Blast!+ provides ad-free gaming at last
The upcoming version for Apple Arcade tackles the chief complaint among Block Blast! players: frequent ad interruptions. In the standard game, advertisements often follow every failed attempt, forcing players either to watch or to restart the app, which many found dissatisfying. While the development team has reported robust user activity—with 70 million daily active users and 300 million monthly active users tallied in recent months—community requests for an ad-free version have remained constant. The Arcade release promises to meet that need, delivering uninterrupted play for the price of Apple Arcade’s subscription.
This development comes just after a significant brand partnership at Coachella 2026, underlining Block Blast!’s continued marketing reach and visibility, especially within the U.S. market.
Expanded Apple Arcade library coming September 3
The September 3 update on Apple Arcade is not limited to Block Blast!+; it will also add the 2025 App Store Award recipient Art of Fauna: Cozy Puzzles+, alongside titles like NFL Retro Bowl ’27, Coloring Games for Families+, and Let’s Play! Oink Games+, which features a digital collection of nine tabletop games.
For $6.99 a month, Apple Arcade gives players access to more than 200 games, and additional access is available through Apple One bundles, with individual plans beginning at $19.95/month.
Future prospects for Block Blast! and Apple Arcade
Block Blast!’s integration into Apple Arcade marks a fresh approach for both Apple and Hungry Studio, allowing the game to reach new audiences and offer existing players a seamless, ad-free puzzle experience. While massive user numbers and ongoing marketing efforts point to continued growth potential, this move reflects a shift from rapid download spikes to an emphasis on lasting player retention and engagement within Apple’s subscription framework.