Xbox One Remote Play Function For iPhones And iPads Is Now Available

While Apple continues to put a stop to streaming via Microsoft xCloud, the remote play function for Xbox One owners is arriving on iPhones and iPads. The new Xbox app for iOS allows so-called console streaming via WiFi, 4G LTE, and 5G.

Before the next-gen consoles, Xbox Series X and Series S are launched, Microsoft is updating its Xbox app for Apple devices with iOS and iPadOS operating systems. Not only is the design of the software slightly revamped, but console streaming, which has already been tested in the beta for some time, is introduced. In contrast to xCloud streaming, however, it is not the Microsoft servers that transfer the games to the smartphone or tablet, but the Xbox One console at home and, in the future, the Series X / S. Sony has been offering remote play for the PlayStation 4 (PS4) for a long time.

Remote Play only supports Xbox One and Series games

The way Xbox Console Streaming works is comparatively simple. The Xbox app starts the console remotely via WiFi, 4G LTE, or 5G and shows all the games that are available for streaming. When the Xbox One is started remotely, it does not produce a start sound, nor is the power switch on the front illuminated. According to Microsoft, all Xbox One and Series X / S games can be streamed from the local console to iPhones and iPads. Only older titles from the Xbox 360 and the original Xbox are not part of the compatible games library.

Apart from that, Microsoft is still trying to establish its xCloud service in the iOS ecosystem but is facing headwinds from Apple. While the company has relaxed its App Store guidelines on game streaming services, it requires all games to be submitted as a standalone app. With a catalog of over 100 titles, not only a mammoth task for Microsoft but also a usability nightmare for gamers. The redmonders do not see the app installation for each individual game as the optimal way, which is why a workaround via mobile browser is also being considered.