Apple Silently Rolls Out Tile-Based Word Game To Take On New York Times
Illustration 257817479 © Oksana Sazhnieva | Dreamstime.com
Apple has, without a word—or with plenty of them—rolled out Quartiles, a brain-teasing word game that, unfortunately, is only available to limited users who have installed the iOS 17.5 beta update. This addition dives into the competitive pool of word games, aiming to make a splash alongside giants like the New York Times’ Wordle. For Apple News+ subscribers in the US and Canada, this game adds an extra layer of value to their subscription, blending vocabulary challenges with strategic puzzle solving.
If you happen to fit the bill, you’ll be able to find the new game via the Apple News app, under the Following tab and then Puzzles. Here, players are presented with a grid of 20 syllables that they must weave into five four-syllable words. Achieving this feat, known as finding a quartile, scores a handsome 40-point bonus, potentially doubling the player’s score to a robust 80.
Apple News is testing a new game called Quartiles.
— TechPluto (@TechPluto) April 11, 2024
Quartiles involves creating words from a grid of syllables. Players need to form five four-syllable words.
It's currently in beta testing for iOS 17.5, so not everyone has access to it yet. pic.twitter.com/SaiiOIHyRc
This new addition joins a roster of puzzle games available to Apple News+ subscribers, including Crossword and Crossword Mini, all of which are integrated with Game Center for a bit of competitive fun with score leaderboards.
Besides iPhones, Quartiles has spread its lexical wings across the iPad and Mac platforms with the iPadOS 17.5 and macOS 14.5 betas.
Quartiles promises a new puzzle daily, ensuring subscribers have a fresh challenge each day. For moments when players find themselves at an impasse, a handy shuffle button allows a fresh shuffle of tiles, possibly shedding new light on a perplexing puzzle.
