Apple blocks Project xCloud on iOS Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Apple blocks Project xCloud on iOS And Microsoft is not happy about it. News by Wesley Yin-Poole Deputy Editorial Director Updated on 7 Aug 2020 177 comments Apple has blocked Project xCloud on iOS. Microsoft has abandoned testing the streaming service on Apple devices, and issued a strongly-worded statement criticising Apple's decision. In a statement to Business Insider, Apple said it blocked Project xCloud because it can't review each game on Game Pass, which Project xCloud joins in September. "The App Store was created to be a safe and trusted place for customers to discover and download apps, and a great business opportunity for all developers," Apple said. "Before they go on our store, all apps are reviewed against the same set of guidelines that are intended to protect customers and provide a fair and level playing field to developers. "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. "In addition to the App Store, developers can choose to reach all iPhone and iPad users over the web through Safari and other browsers on the App Store." Watch on YouTube Microsoft, clearly, is upset at the decision. In a statement issued to The Verge, the company bemoaned Apple's policy. "Our testing period for the Project xCloud preview app for iOS has expired," Microsoft said. "Unfortunately, we do not have a path to bring our vision of cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to gamers on iOS via the Apple App Store. Apple stands alone as the only general purpose platform to deny consumers from cloud gaming and game subscription services like Xbox Game Pass. And it consistently treats gaming apps differently, applying more lenient rules to non-gaming apps even when they include interactive content. Don't expect to see Project xCloud on an iPhone any time soon. "All games available in the Xbox Game Pass catalog are rated for content by independent industry ratings bodies such as the ESRB and regional equivalents. We are committed to finding a path to bring cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to the iOS platform. We believe that the customer should be at the heart of the gaming experience and gamers tell us they want to play, connect and share anywhere, no matter where they are. We agree." Microsoft has an ally in this: Epic boss Tim Sweeney, who took to Twitter to declare: "Apple has outlawed the metaverse." "The principle they state, taken literally, would rule out all cross-platform ecosystems and games with user created modes: not just xCloud, Stadia, and GeForce NOW, but also Fortnite, Minecraft, and Roblox," Sweeney said. It's perhaps no surprise to see Sweeney come out swinging against Apple - he's been a vocal critic of the company and what he calls "their 30 per cent taxes". Apple - like other digital platforms - takes a 30 per cent cut of sales on the App Store - and the tech companies who are setting up their own subscription and streaming services do not like that at all. The upshot is Project xCloud looks unlikely to launch on iOS any time soon, which is bad news for Apple device owners who were hoping to use the system. Android devices, however, will run Project xCloud. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 59 Modder dives into Demon's Souls files following PS5 jailbreak, discovers fabled Ring of the Chieftain Who knows what's nexus? 4 Google announces cloud gaming Chromebooks less than a fortnight after Stadia shutdown GeForce Now preinstalled. 11 Latest Articles Preview Football Manager's new Console edition is the best you'll get without a PC Getting Touch-right. Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 59 Modder dives into Demon's Souls files following PS5 jailbreak, discovers fabled Ring of the Chieftain Who knows what's nexus? 4 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store