What you need to know
- Microsoft will start testing Xbox Cloud Gaming in beta for iPhones and iPads tomorrow.
- Xbox Cloud Gaming will work on iPhones and iPads through web browsers
- Microsoft will also start beta testing Xbox Cloud Gaming on Windows 10 PCs tomorrow.
Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming is finally on its way to iPhones and iPads. After months of waiting and anticipation, Microsoft will start beta testing Xbox Cloud Gaming on Apple phones and tablets tomorrow. Only some Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members will get to test out Xbox Cloud Gaming in beta tomorrow, but that's a major step forward for Microsoft's game streaming efforts and for mobile gamers with Apple devices.
Xbox Cloud Gaming will work through web browsers on iPhones and iPads. This setup is likely a way to work around Apple's restrictions for the App Store. For Microsoft to have an Xbox Cloud Gaming app in the App Store, it would need to submit each game to Apple for review. Microsoft doesn't seem willing to do so, so it has instead opted to deliver Xbox Cloud Gaming through web browsers. People will be able to access Xbox Cloud Gaming by going to www.xbox.com/play
People invited to test out Xbox Cloud Gaming on iOS and iPadOS will be able to play over 100 Xbox Game Pass titles through Edge, Google Chrome, or Safari.
Microsoft says that its beta testing period is a "time to test and learn" and that it will send more invites on a continuous basis to players in all 22 countries in which the service is supported. Once the beta program wraps up and the service becomes generally available, the iPad could become the best tablet for Xbox Cloud Gaming.
"Our plan is to iterate quickly and open up to all Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members in the coming months so more people have the opportunity to play Xbox in all-new ways," says Microsoft in a news post.
People can game on the service with USB-connected or Bluetooth controllers as well as touch controls on more than 50 games that have been optimized for touch.
If you're among the lucky testers, make sure to check out the best Xbox Game Pass games of April 2021 from our sister site Windows Central.
Microsoft also announced that it will start testing Xbox Cloud Gaming on Windows 10 PCs tomorrow.
Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold in one
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate gets you access to well over 100 games for a flat monthly fee. In addition to being able to play on Xbox consoles and Windows 10 PCs, you'll soon be able to test out the service on iOS and iPadOS.
