Microsoft Is Reportedly Bringing xCloud to iOS in 2021 Via a ‘Direct Browser-Based Solution’ – IGN

Microsoft is reportedly working on a “direct browser-based solution” that will allow it to bring its cloud gaming service, previously known as Project xCloud, to iOS and iPadOS devices in 2021.As reported by Business Insider and The Verge, Xbox head Phil Spencer revealed the news during a “recent internal all-hands meeting.” He stated “we absolutely will end up on iOS. We’ll end up on iPhones, and iPads with Game Pass.”

The newly announced Amazon Luna may hint at Xbox’s alleged plan, in that it will bypass Apple’s App Store by being playable through the iOS Safari browser and will not be a native app.

Xbox’s cloud gaming service recently launched on Android devices for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, however, Apple’s App Store policies and guidelines make it very difficult for services like Xbox’s cloud gaming and Google Stadia to exist on its platform.

Apps for streaming services are allowed on Apple’s App Store, but only as a “catalog app” that will help users sign up for the service and see what games are available. The tricky part is that Apple says each game on the service must also have its own individual App Store page, which is a problem for services like Xbox’s cloud gaming that has over 150 games.

Microsoft has spoken out against Apple and its policies, who is also currently in a fight with Epic Games over Fortnite and its customary 30 percent cut.

While Spencer’s comments have yet to be made publicly, he did mention that he would like to see xCloud on Xbox consoles and PC in the future, but that those requests are “just a bit further down” a long list of “cool things the xCloud team is working on.”

Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.