Minecraft for iOS: iPhone and iPad Download Guide

Minecraft on iOS comes only through the official App Store, since Apple doesn’t support APK files on iPhone or iPad. The game costs $6.99 and needs iOS 13.0 or later to run. This guide covers the real price, device requirements, and why an “APK” version simply doesn’t exist for iOS.

App Info

DetailInfo
App NameMinecraft
DeveloperMojang Studios
Price$6.99 (one-time purchase)
RequiresiOS 13.0+ / iPadOS 13.0+
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod touch
SizeAround 1 to 1.5 GB
MultiplayerYes, cross-platform with Android, console, and PC

How to Download Minecraft on iPhone or iPad

Open the App Store

Search “Minecraft” directly in the App Store app on your device.

Confirm the Developer

Check that the listing shows Mojang as the developer before buying. This confirms you’re looking at the real app.

Purchase the App

Tap the price button and confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.

Wait for the Download

The app is roughly 1 to 1.5 GB, so it downloads faster on Wi-Fi. Installation finishes automatically once the download completes.

Sign In and Play

Open Minecraft, sign in with a Microsoft account, and create your first world.

Is Minecraft Free on iOS?

No. Minecraft on iOS is a $6.99 one-time purchase, with optional Marketplace content like skins and texture packs priced separately.

Unlike Android, there’s no official Minecraft Trial app on the iOS App Store. Mojang has kept the free trial exclusive to Android so far, so iOS players need to buy the full game to play at all.

Why There’s No Minecraft APK for iPhone or iPad

Apple’s iOS doesn’t use the APK file format at all. APK is an Android-only installer type, so any site claiming to offer a “Minecraft APK for iOS” is either confused about file formats or not being upfront with you.

The only way to install Minecraft on an iPhone or iPad is through the official App Store. That’s a closed system by design, and it’s actually the safer setup since Apple reviews every listing before it goes live.

Key Features

Survival Mode

Gather resources, craft tools, and build shelter before nightfall brings hostile mobs.

Creative Mode

Unlimited blocks and no survival threats, so you can build anything without gathering materials.

Cross-Platform Multiplayer

Play with friends on Android, Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch through Bedrock’s shared cross-platform system.

Marketplace Content

Buy skins, texture packs, and pre-built maps directly inside the game, priced separately from the base purchase.

Common Minecraft iOS Issues

“This App Is Not Compatible With Your Device”

This usually means your iPhone or iPad is running an iOS version older than 13.0. Update to the latest iOS version your device supports, then try again.

Purchase Won’t Go Through

Check that your Apple ID has a valid payment method and that Screen Time restrictions aren’t blocking purchases. Restarting the App Store app often clears temporary glitches.

Game Crashes on Launch

Free up storage space and make sure Minecraft is updated to the latest version through the App Store. A restart of the device fixes most crash issues.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Reviewed and secured through Apple’s App Store
  • Cross-platform play with Android, console, and PC
  • One-time purchase with no subscription
  • Regular content updates from Mojang

Cons

  • No official free trial on iOS, unlike Android
  • $6.99 upfront cost before you can play at all
  • Older iPhones and iPads below iOS 13 can’t run it

FAQ

No, iOS doesn’t support APK files. The App Store is the only way to install Minecraft on iOS.

$6.99 as a one-time purchase, the same price as the Android version.

No, Minecraft Trial is currently only available on Android through Google Play.

Yes, Minecraft Bedrock supports cross-platform multiplayer between iOS, Android, console, and PC.

iOS 13.0 or later for iPhone and iPod touch, and iPadOS 13.0 or later for iPad.

Yes, both purchase and first launch require signing in with a Microsoft account.

Conclusion

Minecraft on iOS runs entirely through Apple’s official App Store, and that’s a good thing since it removes the file-safety questions that come up on Android. If you’re deciding between platforms, check our Minecraft for Android guide for the APK-based install method and the free trial option available there.