Apple will make gaming a key part of an Apple TV product it is expected to unveil at an event on Thursday, according to a New York Times report.
The article, which cited unnamed people briefed on Apple's plans, said the new product is expected to have a starting price around US$150, more power for better graphics, a new remote that could double as a controller and an app store for buying games.
Apple representatives were not immediately available for comment.
The New York Times said most game executives and analysts see little chance that Apple will be able to win over fans of high-end game consoles such as Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's PlayStation 4.
But Apple could instead go after the casual gamers who do not want a high-end console, according to the story.
The event on Thursday is widely expected to unveil new iPhones and potentially a new version of its Apple TV set-top box.
- Stuff New Zealand www.stuff.co.nz