The 2026 edition of Football Manager has just landed on Apple Arcade. And some fans have discovered a very real loophole to play it for free for a month… or even three.
Available since November 4, FM26 Touch was launched on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV via the Apple Arcade subscription service. This is a version optimized for mobile gaming with a redesigned interface, new animations and, for the first time, the introduction of women’s football.
FM26 Touch: what changes in this new version
Football Manager 2026 introduces several significant new features. The game now offers better animation fluidity, increased realism on the field, and above all the arrival of women’s football – a first in the history of the franchise. It also benefits from the official license of the Premier League, an asset that fans have been waiting for for a long time.
But what divides is its brand new interface. While some reviews denounce a less intuitive experience, the feedback from passionate users is much more nuanced. On Reddit, one wrote: “I spent almost eight hours straight on it and honestly, I love this game.” He continues: “The fact that 99% of the complaints simply concern a user interface that we were told would change, while they took the trouble to show us the new interface and warn us that it would take time to adapt, says a lot about modern games today.”
Another player adds: “So far, I like it too. Sure, the UI has a lot of bugs and glitches, but I’m really happy with the match engine and the tactics overhaul.” While a third said: “I love it! It’s refreshing and exciting. The old versions got boring. I’m sure they’ll start fixing the bugs from today onwards.”
How to play Football Manager 26 Touch for free?
Normally, Apple Arcade costs £6.99 per month. But here’s the trick that several players have discovered: new subscribers can benefit from a free monthwhich allows you to download and play FM26 Touch without paying anything.
Even better: if you recently purchased an iPhone, iPad or Apple TV, Apple offers you three months free subscription. That means three months of unlimited Football Manager 26 Touch play without spending a cent.
This offer remains conditional on prior non-use of Apple Arcade. Simply register via your Apple ID to activate the trial.
A strategic launch on Apple Arcade
For Miles Jacobson, director of Sports Interactive studio, this partnership with Apple is strategic: “We are delighted to bring FM26 Touch back to Apple Arcade for the start of this new era of Football Manager”. He believes that “the new redesigned interface will truly improve the experience on Apple devices. Additionally, the arrival of the officially licensed Premier League and the introduction of women’s football will further deepen exploration for Arcade players.”
In addition to Apple Arcade, the game is also available in full version on Steam, Epic Games, PlayStation, Xbox, and will arrive on Nintendo Switch on December 4.