Technically, you can already play Xbox Game Pass on your iPhone or iPad. Microsoft offers access to its cloud gaming service through Safari at xbox.com/play. But this is not a native experience. The official Xbox Game Pass app on the App Store lets you manage your Xbox library but doesn’t allow gameplay. This limitation stems from a longstanding policy of Apple, which previously banned cloud gaming from its platforms—Google Stadia faced similar restrictions. As for Apple TV, playing games via Game Pass remains impossible.
In January 2024, Apple shifted its strategy. Faced with the impending Digital Markets Act (DMA) from the European Union, Apple decided to allow cloud gaming apps in its App Store. But nine months later, Microsoft still hasn’t released a Game Pass app.
Why Microsoft Is Holding Back
The UK, while no longer part of the EU, is working on its own version of the DMA to push Apple to unlock its products within the UK. As part of the process, UK regulators asked Microsoft why Game Pass is still unavailable on the App Store, despite Apple’s new policy. According to a report from MacRumors in September 2024, Microsoft’s answer points to a lesser-known Apple rule: any cloud gaming service must sell its subscriptions directly through their app.
For Game Pass Ultimate, priced at €17.99 per month, this would mean Microsoft losing €5.40 per subscriber since Apple takes a 30% cut of in-app purchases. Microsoft has made it clear that receiving only 70% of its subscription revenue makes bringing Game Pass to iPhone or iPad “neither economically sustainable nor justifiable.” As a result, Microsoft continues to rely on Safari for cloud gaming, despite the fact that the experience isn’t as smooth, and the company is also skipping the Apple TV altogether.
What the Future Holds in the EU
With the DMA in effect, Microsoft could potentially launch a Game Pass app outside of the App Store in Europe. However, this would come with new obligations. Microsoft would still need to pay Apple €0.50 for every download, even if users don’t subscribe. This added fee is another reason Microsoft is hesitant to rush into making Game Pass available through the App Store.
In short, while the door to native cloud gaming apps is technically open, the financial barriers imposed by Apple make it unlikely that we’ll see an Xbox Game Pass app on iPhone or Apple TV anytime soon.
My name is Noah and I’m a dedicated member of the “Jason Deegan” team. With my passion for technology, I strive to bring you the latest and most exciting news in the world of high-tech.