Microsoft Planning All-In-One Xbox App With Game Pass on iPhone
Microsoft is set to revolutionize the gaming experience on mobile devices with the upcoming launch of a unified Xbox app that integrates the Xbox Game Pass service. This new app, which will be available for both iOS and Android, aims to consolidate the functionalities of the current Xbox Game Pass app and the Xbox mobile app into a single, streamlined platform.
Unified App Experience
The revamped Xbox app will combine various features, including access to the entire Game Pass library, management of Game Pass subscriptions, party chat, text messaging, and the ability to view and share game captures. Users will be able to browse and download games directly to their consoles or PCs, ensuring that their chosen games are ready to play as soon as they are available.
Game Pass Integration
Members of Xbox Game Pass will continue to enjoy unlimited access to over 100 games, including highly-anticipated Xbox exclusives and critically-acclaimed indie titles. The app will also provide notifications about new games coming to the Game Pass catalog, allowing users to pre-download games and start playing them as soon as they are released. Additionally, users will benefit from discounts on Xbox One game purchases and add-ons from the existing Game Pass catalog.
Cloud Gaming Limitations
Despite the comprehensive integration, there are significant limitations regarding cloud gaming on iOS devices due to restrictions imposed by Apple. Users will not be able to access cloud gaming directly through the Xbox Game Pass app on iOS. Instead, they will need to access cloud gaming via the Xbox website through a Safari bookmark. To do this, users must launch the Safari browser, go to Xbox.com/play, select the Share button, and then add the Cloud Gaming web app to their home screen.
Upcoming Changes and Rollout
Microsoft is currently trialing this new version of the Xbox app with Xbox beta members on mobile, and the updates are expected to roll out to all users shortly. Starting in November, new downloads of the standalone Xbox Game Pass app will cease, as all functionalities will be migrated to the unified Xbox app.
Additional Features
The new app will also include features such as remote installation of games, allowing users to set up their consoles to download games even when they are not actively using them. This is achieved by setting the console to “Instant-On” mode, which can be found in the Power & Startup menu in Settings.
Recent Developments
These updates come on the heels of Microsoft introducing the Xbox Game Pass Standard tier, which offers console multiplayer access for $14.99 per month. This move, along with recent price adjustments for Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers, reflects Microsoft's ongoing efforts to enhance and diversify its gaming subscription services.
As Microsoft continues to navigate the complexities of mobile gaming regulations, particularly with Apple, the new unified Xbox app promises to enhance the gaming experience for users across different platforms.