It’s no secret that the launch of Microsoft’s Xbox cloud gaming service on iOS devices has been delayed due to Apple’s strict App Store policies. Fortunately, Microsoft appears to have found a way around Apple’s rules by bypassing the App Store completely.
According to BI, Microsoft’s Phil Spencer has apparently told employees that they’re going to shift to a web-based solution to cloud gaming on iOS instead of relying on an app like the one that’s currently used on Android smartphones and tablets.
A 2021 release for Xbox cloud gaming on iOS is said to be expected.
Providing Xbox cloud gaming via a web browser may sound surprising to some at first but it’s actually entirely possible as seen by Google’s game streaming service, Stadia, which currently works within a web browser. Similarly, Amazon’s recently announced Luna game streaming service will also be available via web browsers on iOS devices when it launches in the near future.
The fact that so many video games will be fully available to iPhone and iPad users without the App Store will definitely put Apple in an interesting position. The tech giant is currently in a legal battle with Epic Games over the recent removal of the hit video game Fortnite from the platform but if Epic Games were to simply offer Fortnite via a cloud streaming service such as Xbox cloud gaming, Stadia, or Luna, Apple’s going to have very little power in the negotiations.
During the same meeting (via TV), Spencer apparently also mentioned a 2021 release for Xbox cloud gaming on Windows 10. It would be odd if cloud gaming didn’t come to Windows 10 devices by the end of next year as the app has already been spotted and is apparently in testing.
In addition to Android, iOS, and Windows 10, Xbox gaming streaming will also be launching on Xbox consoles though no release windows have been leaked or announced yet. Still, it would be incredibly odd if it doesn’t roll out to consoles by the end of 2021.
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