iPhone 12 blunder - no Xbox cloud game streaming for iOS says Apple

xCloud game streaming service won't be coming to the App Store thanks to Apple guidelines, tech giant confirms

Project xCloud
(Image credit: Microsoft)

Microsoft's Project xCloud game streaming service has just wrapped up its iOS beta, and while a September 15 launch for Android has been confirmed as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate - along with extra rewards and features available for Samsung device owners via the Galaxy Store - there was no word on when it might go live for iPhone users.   

After halting the iOS xCloud beta, it was suspected that Microsoft had run into issues with Apple's store policies, but the speculation is over - both companies have released statements on xCloud's future on iOS, and it's not looking good for users in Apple's ecosystem.   

In a statement to Business Insider, Apple confirmed that its current guidelines prohibit game streaming services like Google Stadia or Project xCloud from existing on the App Store because Apple is unable to review each individual game available on the Game Pass service:



As the outlet points out, streaming services like Netflix and Spotify are able to exist in the App Store without running each piece of content on their platforms by Apple - but the distinction apparently lies in the fact that games are an interactive medium. 

Microsoft has since commented on the issue in a statement to The Verge, calling out Apple for "consistently [treating] gaming apps differently," applying stricter rules to the medium, and preventing users from enjoying cloud gaming and game subscription services - like its Xbox Game Pass:



This kerfuffle is reminiscent of cross-platform play, with Fortnite ushering in the unprecedented new normal. Sony dragged its feet while Nintendo and Microsoft jumped on board, and Microsoft released a similar statement at the time, highlighting its commitment to the consumer experience in much the same way. Sony eventually caved after much hand-wringing about safety on its platform - but will we see Apple do the same?

The company has the launch of the iPhone 12 coming up, going head-to-head against Samsung's new range of Galaxy devices, unveiled at Unpacked. Samsung has been courting gamers for a while now with its collaborations - namely with Epic Games, offering unique skins and rewards in Fortnite. 

We know that the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra will be optimised for xCloud, so anyone looking into gaming-on-the-go has every reason to pick up a Galaxy device, and less incentive to opt for the iPhone 12. Even iPhone 11 users might want to think twice before deciding which direction to go in when upgrading their handset.  

The future of gaming is undoubtedly heading toward streaming as 5G rolls out and the infrastructure to offer adequate support falls into place, so Apple needs to reassess its policies if it doesn't want to lose consumers to its competitors.   

Source: The Verge

Shabana Arif
Shabana Arif
