Microsoft's Xbox App on iOS Brings Remote Play Functionality to iPhones and iPads

Microsoft has not yet worked out xCloud with Apple, which means players will still need an Xbox One to stream games to their handheld iOS device.

Advertisement
By Vineet Washington | Updated: 20 October 2020 15:01 IST
Highlights
  • Microsoft adds remote play feature to Xbox app on iOS
  • It allows iPhone and iPad users to stream games from their Xbox One
  • Microsoft’s Xbox app allows users to share screenshots and clips
Microsoft's Xbox App on iOS Brings Remote Play Functionality to iPhones and iPads

Xbox app is available for free on both Android and iOS

Photo Credit: App Store

Microsoft's Xbox app on iOS now supports streaming Xbox One games on iPhone and iPad. The new feature allows you to remotely play a game that is running on your Xbox One on your iPhone or iPad. The updated app brings several other changes and improvements as well. This Xbox remote play feature in the Xbox app is not a replacement for bringing xCloud to iOS, but is Microsoft's version of streaming games running on a console to a smartphone. The functionality is similar to Sony's Remote Play app for the PlayStation 4. Microsoft had already brought a similar feature to its Android beta in September, and it is now part of the official release as well.

The updated Xbox app available on the App Store brings game streaming to iPhone and iPad, along with some other features. The app has been updated on Android as well. It is available for free on both the App Store and Google Play store, after being launched in beta last month.

It allows users to set up a new console and queue games, view and share game clips, and party chat with friends. However, the most notable feature is Xbox remote play. This allows users to run a game on their Xbox One and then play it on their iPad or iPhone through the Xbox app. It streams whatever game is running on the console to an iOS device via Wi-Fi, LTE, or even 5G, as pointed out by The Verge.

You can also use the app to install games on your console, uninstall them to free up space, or navigate through the console without using a controller.

Advertisement

The Xbox remote play feature works on supported phones and tablets, and support Bluetooth controllers. But it only works for supported games. This will also allow users to stream games from the upcoming Xbox Series X. However, the report by The Verge notes that older Xbox 360 and original Xbox games cannot be streamed remotely to iOS or Android devices.

While this remote play feature requires you to have an Xbox One, xCloud is the service that will allow players to stream games on their phones and other devices without having to purchase a console. But, Apple and Microsoft are not on the same page when it comes to xCloud on iOS devices. Apple demands that Microsoft submit each and every app to the App Store so that it can be tested, but Microsoft refuses to do so.

Advertisement


Will Xbox Series S, PS5 Digital Edition fail in India? We discussed this on Orbital, our weekly technology podcast, which you can subscribe to via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or RSS, download the episode, or just hit the play button below.

 

Affiliate links may be automatically generated - see our ethics statement for details.
 

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.

Further reading: Microsoft, Apple, Xbox, Xbox remote play
Advertisement

Related Stories

Popular Mobile Brands
  1. Upcoming Phones in July: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, OnePlus Nord 5, More
  2. Oppo Reno 14 Pro 5G Series Set to Launch in India on This Date
  3. Qualcomm's Snapdragon Elite 2 SoC for Galaxy S26 May Be Made by Samsung
  4. Lumio Arc Projector Teased Ahead of Possible Amazon Prime Day Launch
  5. Nothing Phone 3 to Get 50-Megapixel Periscope Telephoto Camera
  1. Axiom Mission 4 Successfully Docks on International Space Station; Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes First Indian to Reach Milestone
  2. Redmi K80 Ultra With Dimensity 9400+ SoC, 7,410mAh Battery Launched: Price, Specifications
  3. Telegram Bot Reportedly Spotted Selling Sensitive Personal Data of Indian Users
  4. Nothing Phone 3 Confirmed to Feature 50-Megapixel Periscope Telephoto Camera
  5. Vodafone Idea Rolls Out New Max Family Plan with Bundled Netflix Subscription: Price, Benefits
  6. Samsung Galaxy Buds Core TWS With ANC, Galaxy AI Features Launched in India: Price, Specifications
  7. iPhone 16 Available at Rs. 68,400 With Cashback Offer, Making It a Great Deal
  8. Xiaomi Mix Flip 2 With Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, 50W Wireless Charging Launched: Price, Specifications
  9. Anthropic Now Lets Claude Users Build and Share AI-Powered Interactive Apps
  10. Lumio Arc Projector Teased Ahead of Possible Amazon Prime Day Launch
Gadgets 360 is available in
Download Our Apps
Available in Hindi
© Copyright Red Pixels Ventures Limited 2025. All rights reserved.