Microsoft is looking at the possibility of using a browser-based app for Xbox Game Pass that will allow it to bypass Apple App Store Rules.
Apple App Store rules appear not to excuse anyone as even Microsoft is feeling the brunt to the point that it is already considering using a browser-based app that will allow Xbox Game Pass to bypass the rules. In a recently-published report by Business Insider, Phil Spencer, Microsoft's Executive Vice President of Gaming, discussed alternative methods that will allow gamers access to their Xbox Game Pass streaming titles using an Apple device.
In a meeting on Wednesday, Spencer and his team explored possible workarounds and plans to take the company's cloud gaming service to both the iPhone and the iPad. According to reports, Microsoft is looking at 2021 "for the potential release of a "direct browser-based solution" which will allow Xbox Game Pass to bypass Apple App Store rules.
This is not the first time that Microsoft expressed its desire to breach the walls of Apple, such as exploring the possibility of using browser-based apps for Xbox Game Pass that allow for the bypassing of Apple App Store Rules. In an interview on September 22, Spencer emphasized the desire of Microsoft to get Xbox Game Pass into as many devices as possible.
"We're committed to bringing Game Pass to all mobile phones out there, including Apple phones. We'll continue the conversations and I'm sure we'll be able to get to some resolution," Spencer said during the interview. With Spencer's statement during the interview about their drive to bring Game Pass to all mobile phones, it is not surprising at all when he explored the idea of using a browser-based app for Xbox Game Pass that allows it to bypass Apple App Store Rules in a meeting last Wednesday.
The recent pronouncements of Apple as regards cloud gaming services like the Google Stadia and Xbox Game Pass not offered on their ecosystem of devices is due to their requirement for developers to submit individual tiles for review. "Our customers enjoy great apps and games from millions of developers, and gaming services can absolutely launch on the App Store as long as they follow the same set of guidelines applicable to all developers, including submitting games individually for review and appearing in charts and search," Apple said. However, Sony circumvented this restriction with its PS4 Remote Play. It appears that Microsoft likes to follow this path through a browser-based app for Xbox Game Pass that will allow it to bypass Apple App Store Rules.
If Microsoft is successful in bypassing Apple App Store Rules through a browser-based app for Xbox Game Pass, then their gamers can access their streaming titles using an iOS device. Amazon recently also expressed its desire for its upcoming Luna gaming service to skirt Apple restrictions through another means. It is not clear, however, if Apple is going to allow such practices to go on or if it will further fortify its walls against such attempts.
