Microsoft to release its xCloud as a web-service for iOS and iPadOS

Microsoft’s xCloud streaming service is the Netflix of streaming gaming services. Offering the users to play games as long as they have a subscription is a pretty good strategy, especially when users don’t have to worry about the hardware limitations which come along with their smartphones. I mean come on, not everyone can afford a ROG phone.

Earlier we reported that Microsoft is in talks of releasing its xCloud streaming service for iOS devices. But, the attempts of the Redmund-based software manufacturer were put on hold due to Apple’s exhaustive App Store Policy’s for game streaming devices.

However, Microsoft is now working on a “direct browser-based solution” for its xCloud to bring the service to iOS as early as next year.

The window’s creator is developing a web version of its xCloud to make it run on iOS and iPadOS devices. The company however is also continuing its work to develop an xCloud streaming app which the company will also “eventually” run on Apple’s platform.

Microsoft’s gaming chief, Phil Spencer, revealed that the company is determined to make its impact on iOS and iPadOS. The company wants to launch its Game Pass for Apple’s devices and is determined to also bring its App in the near future.

Why the delay in xCloud release on iOS?

The Cupertino giant has been consistent in blocking services like Microsoft’s xCloud and Google’s Stadia from running on iOS devices via its App Store. Recently, Apple offered a chance for gaming streaming platforms to launch their services via the App store if they satisfy its App Store policies. These policies, however, meant additional work for the streaming services and it would be quite troublesome for them to comply with all the policies.

Apple’s policies insist the developers to individually submit their games as separate apps on the App Store that use their streaming tech. The game streaming companies are even advised to create a separate “catalog” style app as a collection of links out to all of their individual game apps. Really Apple, isn’t it pushing it too far?

This approach by the Cupertino giant didn’t sit well with Microsoft. Hence, the company left its xCloud App development on hold and is moving forward with its web-based xCloud version for Apple’s devices. This will allow Microsoft to bypass Apple’s App Store policies.

Whether we will see xCloud being released on App Store depends on Microsoft and Apple reaching a common ground. But the Cupertino giant isn’t showing any signs of backing down from its proposed approach.

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