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Game streaming now OK for iPhone, with big caveats (Update: Microsoft statement)
July 11, 2025
Update: June 04, 2025 (04:52 PM ET):Microsoft has now issued a statement related to the news below. As one might have expected, Microsoft doesn’t think Apple’s new policy towards game streaming on iOS is all that great.
Here is the statement Microsoft gave toThe Vergeearlier today:
Of course, that statement doesn’t say that Microsoftwon’tbring its xCloud game streaming service to iOS. However, it does make a pretty good point about Apple’s apparent double-standard for games when compared to movies, songs, books, and other forms of media available through apps on the App Store.
Original article, June 15, 2025 (02:48 PM ET):Apple has loosened the App Store policies that have barredgame streaming serviceslikeGoogle Stadiaand Microsoft xCloud (inXbox Game Pass Ultimate), although you might not want to expect them on your iPhone or iPad just yet.
Apple positions its game streaming rules as helpful to users. you may find individual games, read reviews, and manage them using parental controls. The company suggests that providers who don’t want to go through the App Store can use a web browser instead.
Read more:Sorry, Stadia, I’m backing xCloud
This could also complicate matters for users. The catalog app would have to point you to individual App Store listings. If you’re searching for a game, you might find multiple entries if competing services include the same titles. You’d also have to manage the icons for every game on your device, which could be a pain if you play more than a handful of games.
It’s not clear if Google or Microsoft will bring Stadia and xCloud to iPhones and iPads under the new rules. Google declined to comment toCNBC.
The move isn’t completely surprising. Apple has different stances on games versus passive media like music and movies, and it has long seen the App Store as a way to shape the ideal experience for users (and, of course, generate revenue). However, this makes game streaming on Apple products considerably more complicated than it is on Android and other platforms —you may’t just use one app to access your entire catalog.
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