Owners of Apple mobile devices, we have bad news for you. Microsoft has ended the ongoing Beta of Project xCloud on all iOS devices due to Apple’s store policies. This leaves the future of Microsoft’s game streaming service somewhat in limbo for anyone who prefers Apple devices above Android ones.
The news comes an official Microsoft spokesperson who clarified why Project xCloud ended so unceremoniously on iOS hardware. In a statement to The Verge, we learn that the decision was not because of Microsoft but due to Apple.
“Our Project xCloud preview TestFlight period has ended on iOS and we are focused on delivering cloud gaming as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to Android customers beginning September 15 […] It’s our ambition to scale cloud gaming through Xbox Game Pass available on all devices.” – Microsoft Spokesperson via The Verge
Project xCloud is going to become part of Xbox Games Pass Ultimate next month as a free upgrade. A punch in the gut for anybody with an iPhone or iPad who was looking forward to getting basically free access to a large library of Xbox games in the palm of their hands.
And now, only Android users will be able to enjoy the full spectrum of services the incredible value of the sub offers. It remains unclear whether Microsoft and Apple will come to an agreement about the service but for now, if you want to play the full console experience anywhere, you’ll have to find an Android device.
Apple has been infamously very strict about allowing third-party services to make money through the App Store without getting a cut. It wouldn’t come as a surprise if that was the case why Project xCloud won’t be coming immediately to Apple devices.
