Microsoft's Project xCloud streaming is now available via beta for Android devices. Apple users, however, cannot currently use xCloud streaming on their iOS devices.
This comes after Apple refused to grant Microsoft permission to put xCloud on the App Store, leading to the early cancellation of xCloud's beta on iOS devices that allowed iPhone users to play Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
Aside from Microsoft, Apple has recently come under fire from another gaming giant, Epic Games, for removing Fortnite from the App Store after Epic attempted to avoid Apple's 30% cut on In-App Purchases.
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Here's everything you need to know about xCloud's prospects for iPhone streaming.
Is xCloud available on iOS devices?
The Project xCloud streaming service was available in a limited form for 10,000 iOS testers earlier this year, but this has since ended as we move closer to the full launch of the product.
In a statement to Business Insider, Apple explained that they could not allow xCloud onto the App Store as they are unable to review every game available via Game Pass.
"The App Store was created to be a safe and trusted place for customers to discover and download apps," explained an Apple spokesperson. "Before they go on our store, all apps are reviewed against the same set of guidelines that are intended to protect customers and provide a fair and level playing field to developers."
This reasoning was also cited when Google attempted to implement its Stadia streaming onto iOS devices, which was also blocked.
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Will xCloud come to iPhones and iPads?
It seems Microsoft is not willing to jump through Apple's hoops to get its services on their devices, telling The Verge "Unfortunately, we do not have a path to bring our vision of cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to gamers on iOS via the Apple App Store."
"Apple stands alone as the only general purpose platform to deny consumers from cloud gaming and game subscription services like Xbox Game Pass."
Critics of Apple also point towards streaming services like Netflix and Spotify, in which Apple cannot review every piece of content. This is mirrored by Microsoft, who lamented Apple as "it consistently treats gaming apps differently, applying more lenient rules to non-gaming apps even when they include interactive content."
However, Apple may be forced to change its policy in the future, as it currently faces various anti-competition lawsuits, including one from Epic Games. Tim Sweeney, Epic's CEO, was particularly vocal in his opposition to Apple's refusal to allow xCloud onto the App Store, taking to Twitter to express his frustrations.
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How to stream Xbox games on iOS devices
While xCloud streaming is not currently available on iPhones and iPads, a recent update to the Xbox App has introduced the Remote Play feature.
Remote Play, a feature PlayStation users have utilised for some time now, allows Xbox console owners to stream gameplay from them console to their phone via Internet.
The catch here is that to play these titles, you'll need to have downloaded these games onto your Xbox console already. For those who use xCloud on Android, game streaming means no downloads are necessary, for example.
However, Remote Play also allows you to play games outside the Xbox Game Pass ecosystem, unlike xCloud streaming.
As with xCloud gameplay, while Xbox recommends using its Xbox Wireless Controller, many Bluetooth and USB controllers, including the PS4's DualShock 4, are compatible with Remote Play.
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