Microsoft is working on bringing xCloud to iPhone and iPad using the browser as a platform. This means that the company is working on a web version of xCloud, which will completely bypass App Store restrictions allow the app to work completely as Microsoft intended.
xCloud app on iOS
Xbox head, Phil Spencer, shared the news that the company is making good progress for its xCloud plans for iPhone and iPad. Game Pass users will be able to stream games remotely from Microsoft’s servers for a monthly subscription fee. Although the company wanted to bring an app to iOS, Apple’s App Store policies meant that Microsoft was not allowed to do so.
Apple recently changed its policies to allow game streaming services to come to iOS, however, there are a few caveats to the new rules. The company requires game streaming services to submit each game as an individual app for review so that it exists as a separate entity in App Store. The services can also submit catalog apps that link to these various games in the App Store so users can easily find and play the games. From Apple’s perspective, the company wants games to be searchable via the App Store and utilize the same features that other apps and games use like reviews, ratings, and so on. However, from the perspective of Microsoft xCloud and Google Stadia, this requirement seems more like a hassle than an improvement to Apple’s rules.
However, Microsoft has not given up and is still working with Apple behind the scenes to try and get an app in the store which satisfies both company’s requirements. For now, users will have to wait for the web version of xCloud which might be available in 2021. The company is also working on xCloud for Windows 10, which should be available in 2021.
Microsoft is also working on a new Xbox app for iPhone and iPad that will support game streaming from Xbox One consoles over a local network or the Internet. The app will allow users to access their existing game library, but not purchase any new games from the app.
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