Microsoft Xcloud game streaming service coming to iPhone, iPad via Safari very soon
Following a long testing period, Microsoft is releasing its Xcloud game streaming service to all Safari users on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac in the next few weeks.
Apple iPhone and iPad owners will soon be able to play many of their favorite Xbox games and Windows titles from their devices, thanks to Microsoft's efforts to make games streamable from within Safari.
While Microsoft may have originally intended to use their Xcloud app natively on Apple devices, App Store guidelines prohibited streaming off-site games to apps without individual App Store items for each title. Google and Microsoft refused to do this, resulting in an effective ban of services like Xcloud and Google Stadia on the App Store, leaving iOS and iPadOS gamers to do without.
Yet, Microsoft remained determined. By streaming games through Safari, Microsoft does not need to worry about violating the App Store rules.
According to Microsoft, those interested will need to purchase an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which can be purchased directly from Xbox's website. Microsoft is currently running a limited-time offer that allows new users to try out the service for three months for only $1. After the trial period, the service auto-renews at $14.99 a month until canceled.
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Apple iPhone and iPad owners will soon be able to play many of their favorite Xbox games and Windows titles from their devices, thanks to Microsoft's efforts to make games streamable from within Safari.
While Microsoft may have originally intended to use their Xcloud app natively on Apple devices, App Store guidelines prohibited streaming off-site games to apps without individual App Store items for each title. Google and Microsoft refused to do this, resulting in an effective ban of services like Xcloud and Google Stadia on the App Store, leaving iOS and iPadOS gamers to do without.
Yet, Microsoft remained determined. By streaming games through Safari, Microsoft does not need to worry about violating the App Store rules.
According to Microsoft, those interested will need to purchase an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which can be purchased directly from Xbox's website. Microsoft is currently running a limited-time offer that allows new users to try out the service for three months for only $1. After the trial period, the service auto-renews at $14.99 a month until canceled.
Follow all the details of WWDC 2021 with the comprehensive AppleInsider coverage of the whole week-long event from June 7 through June 11, including details of all the new launches and updates.
Stay on top of all Apple news right from your HomePod. Say, "Hey, Siri, play AppleInsider," and you'll get latest AppleInsider Podcast. Or ask your HomePod mini for "AppleInsider Daily" instead and you'll hear a fast update direct from our news team. And, if you're interested in Apple-centric home automation, say "Hey, Siri, play HomeKit Insider," and you'll be listening to our newest specialized podcast in moments.
Comments
Anyway, it’s good to have competition. 😊
The catalog is massive and available on PC, console, mobile and contains tons of AAA titles. $15 is a bargain imo. You're not going to find better.
Seems they're also trying to get xCloud as a smart TV app as well. I guess they want Game Pass available everywhere for everyone regardless of ecosystem.