Block Blast!, the block puzzle game that was the most-downloaded free iPhone game of 2025, is getting an ad-free edition on Apple Arcade. Apple announced on Tuesday that Block Blast!+ will launch on its subscription gaming service on September 3, alongside the 2025 App Store Award winner Art of Fauna: Cozy Puzzles+ and several other titles.
The move ends a long-running complaint from the game’s massive player base: the free version forces users to watch an ad after every loss before they can start a new session. Many players have resorted to closing and reopening the app to skip the interstitial, a workaround that has become a running joke in the game’s community. The Arcade version eliminates that friction entirely.
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Why an ad-free version now?
Block Blast! has been a staggering success by any measure. According to app intelligence provider Appfigures, the game has around 725 million lifetime installs, with some estimates from other firms putting the figure at 868 million. Apple’s internal data confirms it was the most-downloaded free iPhone game of 2025, and developer Hungry Studio says it has continued to rank No. 1 in the early months of 2026.
The studio has also reported that engagement remains high, with 70 million daily active users and 300 million monthly active users worldwide. It even promoted the title at this year’s Coachella festival, a sign that Hungry Studio still sees growth potential.
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But a closer look at download trends suggests the game may be past its peak. Appfigures data indicates Block Blast! was pulling in nearly 50 million downloads per month in late 2024; that pace has since cooled. For a puzzle game with a mature install base, moving to a subscription service is a logical next step — it monetizes the most engaged users without relying on ad impressions.
The timing also aligns with Apple’s strategy of adding proven hits to Arcade. The service has historically mixed exclusive titles with popular games that have already built large audiences, and Block Blast!+ fits that pattern.
What’s new in the Arcade version
Block Blast!+ is described as an ad-free version of the same puzzle gameplay, but Apple Arcade versions of games often include additional features. In this case, the core loop — dragging and dropping blocks to clear lines — remains intact, but without the interruptions that have frustrated players.
The Arcade version will be available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV, and it will sync progress across devices via Game Center. Subscribers can also play offline, which is a notable benefit for a game that previously required an internet connection to serve ads.
Apple Arcade costs $6.99 per month and includes more than 200 games. It is also bundled with Apple One plans, which start at $19.95 per month for individuals.
Other titles joining Arcade on September 3
Block Blast!+ won’t be the only new addition to the service. Apple also announced that the following games will launch on Arcade on the same day:
- NFL Retro Bowl ’27 — the latest entry in the popular retro football management series
- Art of Fauna: Cozy Puzzles+ — a 2025 App Store Award winner for its relaxing nature-themed puzzles
- Coloring Games for Families+ — a creative coloring app aimed at younger players
- Let’s Play! Oink Games+ — a digital collection of nine tabletop games
The lineup reflects Apple’s continued push to diversify Arcade’s catalog beyond action and adventure titles, with a clear emphasis on casual and family-friendly experiences.
What this means for players and the market
For the millions of Block Blast! players who have grown tired of ad interruptions, the Arcade version is a welcome alternative. It also gives Apple a marquee title to tout as it tries to grow Arcade’s subscriber base, which has remained a small fraction of the company’s overall services revenue.
The move is also notable for the broader mobile gaming market. Block Blast! is one of the highest-profile games to shift to a subscription model after building its user base on ad-supported free-to-play. If the Arcade version proves popular, it could encourage other developers with large casual audiences to consider similar deals — especially as Apple’s App Tracking Transparency rules continue to pressure ad-based monetization.
Hungry Studio has not said whether the ad-supported version will remain on the App Store, but it almost certainly will. The free version continues to generate revenue through ads, and the Arcade version targets a different segment of users who are willing to pay for a cleaner experience.
Block Blast!+ arrives on Apple Arcade on September 3. The base game remains available for free on the App Store.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Market conditions and subscription service offerings are subject to change.
