Microsoft is bringing its cloud game-streaming service to Apple’s iOS and Windows PCs in spring 2021.
Previously known as xCloud, until now it has been available on Xbox consoles and Android smartphones only.
Microsoft tried to launch the service on iPhones too but the move was blocked by Apple, prompting a public row between the two technology giants.
And now Microsoft says a new web-browser-based version will bypass Apple’s App Store restrictions.
Another way
The game-streaming service is now part of Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription plan, which gives gamers access to more than 100 games for £10.99 a month.
On PCs, the browser-based streaming will be available alongside a version that uses the Windows Xbox app.
But on iOS, Apple had told Microsoft it would have to submit each game to the App Store individually, rather than having a wide selection in a single app.
Microsoft felt that was not feasible and previously hinted it would find another way to bring the service to iPhones and iPads.
The workaround is to not use the App Store at all, by letting people access the service through a web browser, just like any other website.
The same approach has been adopted by streaming service GeForce Now, which recently announced its own web-browser solution for iOS.
And that has the knock-on effect of bringing back Fortnite to iPhones through cloud streaming, despite Apple banning the game from the App Store amid a row over payment fees.
Amazon’s forthcoming service, Luna, is also pursuing the same workarounds.
