The emergence of game streaming services like GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass has promised gamers access to high-powered PC and console games on their mobile devices. However, Apple’s stringent policies have long hindered such services from releasing dedicated apps on the App Store. But recent developments indicate a dramatic shift in Apple’s approach.
In a surprising announcement, Apple updated its iOS and iPadOS developer portal to allow game streaming services on its platform, subject to the same scrutiny as other apps on the App Store. This represents a stark departure from Apple’s previous stance, which had steadfastly rejected applications from companies like Microsoft seeking to stream games to iPhones and iPads.
Internal emails uncovered during a legal dispute suggested that Apple viewed game streaming apps as a potential threat to its app review process, fearing an influx of multiple games onto the platform. Critics, however, speculated that Apple’s motives were aimed at protecting its lucrative gaming ecosystem.
Interestingly, Apple’s policy appeared inconsistent, as it permitted media streaming services to stream content with mature themes while imposing restrictions on game streaming apps. Meanwhile, Android’s Google Play Store embraced game streaming services without issue, even hosting Google’s own Stadia platform.
The shift in Apple’s policy comes amidst growing scrutiny, including an antitrust ruling in the European Union mandating Apple to allow third-party app stores on the iPhone and iPad. This development follows a legal battle initiated by Epic Games, challenging Apple’s control over in-app purchases. As Epic Games prepares to reintroduce Fortnite to iOS, the landscape of mobile gaming stands on the brink of significant transformation.