Amber Neely
Apple has now specified why Microsoft's xCloud won't be coming to iOS, by pointing out that streaming game services are explicitly prohibited according to App Store policies.
On August 5, Microsoft ended the iOS xCloud test flight program, announcing that the service would not be coming to the iPhone and iPad. Instead, the service will launch as an Android exclusive.
However, this is hardly surprising news. AppleInsider reported on the limitation of such services in March of this year.
Still, Apple felt compelled to point out why services like xCloud and Google Stadia won't be making it to the App Store.
"The App Store was created to be a safe and trusted place for customers to discover and download apps, and a great business opportunity for all developers," an Apple spokesperson told Business Insider. "Before they go on our store, all apps are reviewed against the same set of guidelines that are intended to protect customers and provide a fair and level playing field to developers."
App Store guidelines state that an app can't rely on streaming from the cloud. This means cloud-based gaming services from Google Stadia, xCloud, and Nvidia GeForce cannot be hosted on the iOS App Store.
Apple holds itself to the same standard as other developers, as Apple Arcade titles are not streamed — users must download the games from within the Arcade tab in the App Store. Competing gaming services are welcome on Apple's platform, provided they fit within the rules.
"Our customers enjoy great apps and games from millions of developers, and gaming services can absolutely launch on the App Store as long as they follow the same set of guidelines applicable to all developers including submitting games individually for review and appearing in charts and search."
One such competitor on the App Store is GameClub, which works on the same model that Apple Arcade does. For a paltry $5 a month, users get access to over 100 ad-free premium games, including several App Store classics like Super Crate Box.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
47 Comments
Microsoft thought they would get special treatment. They'll come along eventually. Android users hate paying for things and most knockoff devices have terrible quality screens and crap performance(Yes AI smart asses, I KNOW this is cloud computing, not the point).
Admittedly I missed this line before posting the above:
"App Store guidelines state that an app can't rely on streaming from the cloud."
What about video like Hulu?
Anyways, where there's a will there's a way. How did MS do the test flight? Thought the app had to be operating with the public.
Does Sony get a pass because the games are being played on a device that is owned by the user? The PS Remote Play is not perfect, but definitely serviceable.