Microsoft is merging the Xbox Game Pass app with Xbox mobile

Microsoft is trying to simplify its Xbox gaming apps for iOS, by merging its Xbox Game Pass into the Xbox app.

At the moment, Xbox players have access to two separate apps. Soon, there will only be one to use, in Microsoft's bid to simplify its offerings.

The Xbox Games Pass provides subscription-based access to a variety of games that can be downloaded to an Xbox. The Xbox app is one that gives more access to the console, including streaming games, as well as social elements.

Under Microsoft's plans, you'll only need to use one app to access it all.

Explained in the Xbox September Update blog post, Microsoft will be moving features from the Xbox Game Pass app to the Xbox app. Xbox beta members will get access to the features at first, before rolling it out to everyone else.

As part of the merging, Microsoft will be blocking new downloads of the Xbox Game Pass app from November, forcing users to use just the Xbox app.

The existing Xbox app on iPhone will continue to function as normal, but will have extra features added to it.

The move to streamline the apps makes sense in a number of ways. Now, there will be only one app to go to for everything Xbox, without users being confused about which app to open.

As well as the mobile app changes, affecting both iOS and Android users, Microsoft also outlined changes to allow players to play games as soon as updates are live, new Wish List notifications, and more alterartions to the Windows version of the Xbox app.