Because an announcement such as the one suggested in the title couldn't possibly cause the world to explode.

Except then all the developers need to start designing for it. And it's rarely just a matter of mapping controls, when you change the interface you often need to rebalance everything in the game around the strengths and weaknesses of that interface. For developer and end user alike, things can get very messy, very quickly.

Edit: And since many people seem to have a problem imagining connecting an iDevice to a TV:

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD098ZM/A/apple-digital-av-adapter

But the superior solution for anything non-gaming (and even many games) is:

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_ipod/family/apple_tv

ummm, have you not heard of the iTV device?

More likely, they'll upgrade that again putting it at Vita power levels and add the controller they have already sent to the Patent office (leaks from a month ago).

That will compete directly with the Ouya device as well as other Android based tv boxes.

This is happening with Android already (Ouya) but Apple doing it would be a bigger paradigm shift in the industry as 3rd party game developers of all strips and sizes go ape sh-- to cater to their 300M strong audience.

Many will argue 'The core games aren't there' - If Apple opens it's door to core gamers in this way, the core games will most assuredly be there. And so what if it doesn't have exclusives? (it will btw) 360 barely has any anymore, MS doesn't seem too worried.

But specifically:
WiiU will suddenly look like a cheap (and overpriced) Apple knock-off and be in deep, deep trouble as it fails to grab any casuals (or core)
Xbox: IF all the virtual/kinect rumours are true, MS will be just fine. They'll stick to their current plan.
Sony: Innovate or die. PS may just become a super gloried game service available through other Sony devices.

Edit: I have zero expectation of this happening, however, there is a slight chance it would so Android doesn't get a solid grip on that market segment.

Apples power level would be over 9000. It's possible the world could explode.

Connectivity to TV screens: possible, even likely.

Game controller: no way in hell.

They may even use gaming to advertise their TV connectivity, but the iphone/ipad will continue to serve as the controller.

Well I'll be damned

Apple recently patented a game controller design. Take that for what it's worth.

I personally think it's gonna happen. If you have an iPhone/iPad/or possibly even a Mac, it'll be able to stream wirelessly to your TV/iTV.

A $50 Bluetooth controller will let you play games if you want on your TV. Games can be purchased through the iTunes store.

Will get lots of third party support (Square-Enix, EA, Capcom, Activision, etc.).

Honest answer?

Not much.

Which is effectively the same thing. It'll allow multiple vendors to make the controller, just like iPhone cases and what not.

So you'll be able to walk into your Best Buy and pick which ever controller you want.

The point is they made a patent that specifically is based around a game controller. Which shows they're at least thinking about it.