Microsoft delivers Xbox One game streaming to iPhone and iPad

Microsoft on Monday released a refreshed version of the Xbox app that allows users to stream Xbox One games to iPhone and iPad.

The latest version of the official Xbox app for iOS and iPadOS enables remote gaming from an Xbox One console. A hotly anticipated feature, remote gaming was teased in September.

Not to be confused with xCloud, Microsoft's cloud-based gaming service, remote play requires a host console from which games and streamed to compatible iPhone and iPad models. Like Sony's Playstation 4 remote play solution, Xbox mirroring facilitates a direct connection to an Xbox One, not the cloud.

According to The Verge, users can connect to their Xbox over Wi-Fi or cellular. Remote functionality extends to the Xbox system, allowing users to turn the device on while away from home. The console will boot without visual or audio alerts, and will enter standby mode after a period of inactivity, the report says.

In addition to Xbox One mirroring, today's app refresh delivers the ability to set up new consoles and queue games, view and share game clips and screenshots, and chat with friends across devices.

Citing security concerns, Apple currently restricts cloud gaming services from operating on iOS. The company loosened restrictions in September, opening the door to products like xCloud, Google's Stadia and Amazon's Luna, albeit with a few substantial hurdles.

Apple policy dictates cloud-based game streaming providers are allowed to market their wares in a "catalog" app as long as each game listed includes a link to an individual App Store pages. Alternatively, companies can create a browser-based solution that relies on web apps to stream gaming content to iPhone and iPad users, a solution adopted by Amazon.

The Xbox app is a free download from the App Store.