Microsoft’s upcoming game streaming service, Project xCloud, will let you play games in the cloud no matter where you are. However, for some unknown reason, Microsoft has abandoned the testing of xCloud on iOS. And instead, the company is focusing on an Android-only release.
What happened to Project xCloud on iOS?
Microsoft opened its doors for iOS testers in early 2020. Microsoft had previously told users that testing would continue until September 11, 2020; However, the company has announced that iOS testing will end on August 5. The planned Android test dates did not change; neither did its release date of September 15, 2020.
In a statement to The edge, A Microsoft representative said:
“Our Project xCloud preview TestFlight period has ended on iOS and we are focused on offering cloud gaming as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for Android customers starting September 15. It is our ambition to scale games on the Cloud via Xbox Game Pass available on all devices. “
Why Microsoft Killed Project xCloud on iOS?
Microsoft has not made an official statement explaining why it ditched iOS in favor of Android. However, there are a few reasons that suggest how Microsoft came to this decision.
First, testing Project xCloud on iOS wasn’t that easy. Due to the iOS App Store policy, Microsoft could only allow 10,000 users to test the service. Not only that, but this small group of testers was only able to test the game, Halo: The Master Chief Edition. As a result, Microsoft was probably unable to test the iOS application to a satisfactory level, causing the company to drop support.
If this theory is correct, Microsoft is not the first company to experience problems launching on iOS. Google’s game streaming service Stadia has yet to launch on iOS devices. The Steam Link app took a year to launch after Valve struggled to meet Apple’s high standards. As such, this may be another story of a game company struggling to launch on the iOS App Store.
However, Microsoft made an appearance at the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2020event. During the event, Samsung mentioned how closely the company has worked with Microsoft to bring Project xCloud to Galaxy phones. While the xCloud Project presentation didn’t showcase any Samsung-exclusive features, the partnership may have forced Microsoft to stop its iOS support in favor of Android. But that is pure speculation.
Prepare for Project xCloud Launch
With the launch of the rapidly approaching xCloud Project, Microsoft has stopped testing on iOS to focus on an Android-only version. It is still unknown whether this is because Microsoft encountered problems with Apple’s App Store policies, or because its association with Samsung has clouded the waters.
If you’re unsure about how cloud gaming works, be sure to read our explanation that details how cloud gaming works.
She is a freelance blogger, writer, and speaker, and writes for various entertainment magazines.