Apple Makes Major Policy Reversal, Opening iOS To Xbox Cloud Gaming And More

In a major policy reversal, Apple has announced it is opening its App Store up to game-streaming services. This marks a big win for companies like Microsoft and Nvidia--both of which offer game streaming services that were previously only accessible on iPhones via browser--as well as consumers, who will theoretically be able to access programs like Xbox Cloud Streaming through a designated app.

Apple shared the announcement in a developer blog post, writing, "Developers can now submit a single app with the capability to stream all of the games offered in their catalog." The change is effective immediately and will be implemented worldwide, according to the company. However, it is still up to individual companies to design and submit an app to the store, meaning it could be some time before consumers have access to their game catalogs via the App Store.

The company explained that these changes "reflect feedback from Apple’s developer community and is consistent with the App Store’s mission to provide a trusted place for users to find apps they love." It then added that it will be up to the apps that host this content to ensure that "all the software included in their app meets Apple’s high standards for user experience and safety." GameSpot has reached out to a Microsoft representative regarding the company potentially developing an Xbox application for the Apple App Store and is awaiting comment.

According to The Verge, Apple appeared to have carved out a space for cloud gaming services back in 2020, but it was later revealed that each service would have to submit each game as a standalone app. With today's announcement, however, all games can be housed under one app with the requirement that the host will "maintain an age rating of the highest age-rated content included in the app.”

This was not the only big announcement Apple made today. The company also revealed upcoming changes to iOS, Safari, and the App Store that will allow users to install different browsers and access alternative app stores. These changes were made to comply with the European Union's Digital Markets App, and are currently exclusive to EU users.