Xbox head Phil Spencer has confirmed that Xbox Game Pass functionality will come to iPhones and iPads in some form. Although Apple has not allowed other game-streaming services on its App Store, Microsoft could potentially find a workaround through the use of web apps.
Microsoft made waves with its Project xCloud, which allows gamers to stream games to mobile devices. In particular, Microsoft's choice to combine Project xCloud and Xbox Game Pass opened up a range of exciting opportunities. This way, fans could continue to enjoy many Game Pass games, even when they weren't near an Xbox console or PC, thanks to the power of mobile streaming. As fans look forward to the upcoming launch of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles next month, many are focused on the role that Game Pass will play in the future of the Xbox.
Spencer told employees that Game Pass streaming would arrive on Apple devices in 2021. This comes after Apple banned several potential game-streaming services (including xCloud) from the App Store, expressing concern that it could not assess the content of the games being streamed. As Spencer indicated to employees, an iOS presence would likely necessitate a workaround through the use of a web app. Amazon's upcoming Luna service will function on iOS devices through the use of a web app, so it's only natural that Microsoft would follow in its footsteps.
Microsoft clearly has the technology and infrastructure necessary to bring Xbox Game Pass to Apple devices. After all, Xbox Game Pass launched streaming on Android devices in September. Expanding to iOS and iPadOS would give Xbox a decisive advantage over PlayStation going into the next-generation console launches. The PlayStation 5 likely can't offer the kind of flexibility to iPhone fans that Xbox Game Pass on iPhone would.
Beyond the potential iOS web app, Microsoft has acknowledged competing platforms in a way that few other companies have. For example, Spencer recently praised Animal Crossing: New Horizons at the Tokyo Game Show, suggesting the game was one of the most impactful ever released. Xbox has even allowed some of its exclusives, such as Cuphead, to migrate to other platforms. Plus, Xbox social media accounts have gently teased PlayStation fans leading up to the launch of the PlayStation 5.
Of course, Sony gives its fans some streaming options, too. The PS Now service operates on both PS4 and PC. However, on a broader level, Sony's approach to game design focuses more on supporting major technological leaps on its own devices. This runs counter to the platform-hopping experience provided by Microsoft. In any case, if Spencer is true to his word, iPhone owners will have access to Xbox Game Pass games sometime next year.
Source: Business Insider