Microsoft has confirmed that Xbox cloud gaming is coming to iOS in 2021. In a new blog post today, the company says that cloud gaming as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will come to iOS via web browser in spring of 2021.
This was first rumored in October. Microsoft had decided not to launch its game streaming service on iOS because of the App Store guidelines. Bringing cloud gaming to the iPhone and iPad via the web browser will allow Microsoft to skirt the App Store guidelines altogether.
Xbox Game Pass for PC is a frustrating mess. There’s no denying that Xbox Game Pass is one of the most appealing business models around. It lets subscribers download and play hundreds of games. As for what’s possible with Xbox Cloud Gaming, this ties in with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Xbox owners are likely already familiar with Ultimate, as it includes access to Xbox Live Gold and a vast library of games. As of the writing of this post, there are more than 100 games available. Xbox Game Pass for PC. Play over 100 high-quality PC games on Windows 10. Now includes iconic Bethesda games, new day one titles, and the EA Play on PC catalog. Join now to get your first month for $1. Subscription continues automatically at $9.99/mo. Unless cancelled through your Microsoft Account.
Expanding Xbox to new players is central to our ambition of helping games and developers find an easy path to the world’s 3 billion gamers. We are doing this by embracing multiple devices and providing a consistent Xbox experience wherever you log in, whether that’s on your Xbox Series X|S, PC, Xbox One, Android device or — starting in Spring 2021 — your Windows PC and iOS device from the cloud.
- Receive notifications about new games coming to Xbox Game Pass, and start playing the moment your game is available when you pre-download it to your Xbox One. Save up to 20% on Xbox One game purchases from the existing Xbox Game Pass catalog, plus 10% off any Xbox One game add-ons For help, please visit support.xbox.com.
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes all the benefits of Xbox Live Gold, plus over 100 high-quality console and PC games. New games are added all the time, so there’s always something new to play. Enjoy exclusive member deals and discounts.
Microsoft does note that cloud gaming on iOS via the web will technically be a “beta” at first, but no further details are provided. Note that this is also different than what’s available in the Xbox app, which allows Xbox console owners to stream games directly from their personal console.
For what it’s worth, Apple announced new App Store guidelines this year addressing game streaming services. The guidelines say that streaming game services are now allowed, but developers must submit each game to the App Store as separate apps in compliance with all guidelines.
Microsoft is the only the latest company to announce that its streaming game service will come to iOS via the web. Amazon announced recently that its Luna cloud gaming service will also be available on iOS via the web, while Google made similar promises for Stadia.
You can read more in Microsoft’s full blog post.
Game Pass Ultimate App
Xbox Games Pass On Mac
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