Microsoft accuses Apple of removing Xbox Cloud Gaming from the App Store

In recent months, tension between Microsoft and Apple has escalated progressively. Although Apple updated its policies earlier this year to allow cloud gaming streaming apps, Microsoft has criticized the practical implementation of these policies.

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It is not “economically sustainable or justifiable”

In January, Apple introduced new guidelines for the App Store that allow game-streaming apps. A big step forward for services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, yet, over six months later, Microsoft has not launched its service on the Apple platform.

As reported by The Verge, based on information sent by Microsoft to the United Kingdom Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Microsoft believes that Apple’s policies continue to make cloud gaming services unviable in its app store. Microsoft argues that Apple’s requirements regarding in-app purchases and rules about links to external sites where users can purchase digital content are significant barriers.

Microsoft also complains about the lack of support for alternative stores, which are available in the European Union, and the limitations of web apps when considering them as alternatives to creating a cloud gaming app.

On the other hand, Google’s contribution to the situation has been to suggest that regulators focus on Apple’s App Store instead of examining Google Play.

There are already cloud gaming services on the App Store, and more are expected

Apple has responded to these accusations by highlighting that other cloud gaming services are already on the App Store and that it has actively contributed to their success. Apple mentions AntStream as one of the available streaming services and points out that several others are in development.

In its statement to the CMA, Apple has highlighted that cloud gaming enjoys full support on iOS, evidenced by the ongoing investments in hardware and software that directly benefit these games.

Apple emphasizes that, as a device manufacturer, it has a clear incentive to promote a wide range of games on iOS. This is vital so that users do not opt for alternative devices that offer the games they want. Additionally, it claims to have consistently supported all game formats on iOS, not only cloud games, but also downloadable games and games playable through remote connection to consoles or other devices.

Web apps are an option, also for Microsoft

Apple also reminds us that Xbox Cloud Gaming, Nvidia GeForce Now, and Amazon Luna have offered or are offering various games, including triple-A titles, through web apps. Several developers have chosen to provide versions of their games in native and web apps. Companies like Electronic Arts, Konami, Ubisoft, and Capcom/Niantic present games in both modalities on iOS, allowing options like “Need for Speed Heat” on Xbox Cloud Gaming or “Assassin’s Creed” on multiple platforms.

Finally, Apple reminds us that Microsoft has offered Xbox Cloud Gaming through a web app for approximately three years. And that Microsoft itself has noticed a significant increase in positive user feedback and a 35% increase in playtime. This service is thriving remarkably, with Microsoft reporting that 20 million people have used Xbox Cloud Gaming, representing an approximate 100% increase in less than seven months.

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Apple argues that its policies are not only fair and in line with its business model but also provide a safe and equitable environment that benefits both users and developers, supporting innovation and diversity in the app ecosystem. We will see how the situation evolves over the next few weeks and months.