Thanks to new rules from the European Union, a lot will change for Apple in 2024. Microsoft also wants to bring their own App Store to the iPhone.
Due to the Digital Markets Act, not only other App Stores will be available on the iPhone and iPad, but also other digital stores that Apple does not earn money from. In any case, large companies such as Microsoft and Epic Games cannot wait.
Microsoft App Store for iOS is coming
Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, recently indicated that Microsoft is working on an App Store to bring Xbox games to the Apple devices. They just have to wait for the new EU rules to come into effect. He expects the Microsoft App Store to be available on the iPhone and iPad in 2024.
According to Spencer, Microsoft is just waiting for the approval of the acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $ 75 billion. This makes it easy for Microsoft to make Xbox content and Games Pass apps available on other (mobile) platforms.
Ahead of the annual Game Developers Conference, Spencer told the Financial Times: “We want to bring Xbox content from ourselves and our partners to every possible screen. At the moment we can’t do that on mobile devices, but that will change”.
cloud gaming
Under current rules, Apple requires cloud gaming services to list every game in the App Store, rather than operate from a single app. Cloud gaming is possible on the iPhone, but only through a web browser and not through its own app.
With the arrival of a Microsoft App Store, the company can offer its own games, apps and services, without being hindered by Apple’s App Store rules.
Apple is preparing for a Microsoft app store
Apple is of course preparing for the arrival of competition such as a Microsoft App Store once the EU changes take effect. According to a message from Mark Gurman last December Behind the scenes, Apple is already working on a compliance plan. At the same time, it is almost certain that Apple will challenge the rules, or at least try to delay their implementation.
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