Apple has recently acquired Rabbit 3 Times, Inc., the developer behind the innovative app prototyping tool ‘Play.’ This strategic move aims to bolster Apple’s suite of development tools, particularly those centered around Swift, its proprietary programming language.
‘Play’ is a visual development application that enables designers and developers to create interactive prototypes for iPhone applications using SwiftUI frameworks. The app facilitates real-time collaboration between Mac and iPhone, allowing seamless synchronization and efficient workflow. Its user-friendly interface and powerful features have made it a favorite among developers seeking to streamline the app design process.
In 2025, ‘Play’ was honored with an Apple Design Award in the Innovation category. The award recognized the app’s ability to provide a sophisticated yet accessible platform for building interactive prototypes with SwiftUI. Apple praised ‘Play’ for its thoughtfully crafted user interface, which simplifies navigation and enhances creativity.
The acquisition was disclosed through a notification to the European Commission, as required by the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Union. This legislation mandates that certain tech companies report acquisitions to ensure transparency and fair competition. The notification indicated that Apple would acquire specific assets from Rabbit 3 Times, Inc. and extend employment offers to certain employees of the company.
Following the acquisition, ‘Play’ has been removed from the App Store, suggesting that Apple is integrating its features and technologies into its existing development tools. While Apple has not publicly detailed its plans, it is anticipated that the integration of ‘Play’ will lead to enhancements in Xcode, Apple’s integrated development environment (IDE) for macOS. This could result in more robust prototyping capabilities and a more streamlined development process for Swift applications.
Apple’s acquisition of ‘Play’ underscores its commitment to providing developers with cutting-edge tools that simplify and enhance the app development process. By incorporating ‘Play’s’ innovative features into its ecosystem, Apple is poised to offer a more cohesive and efficient development experience. This move also reflects a broader trend of tech giants acquiring specialized tools to strengthen their platforms and support their developer communities.
