Apple Adds Support for Wired Xbox Controllers on iPhone, iPad and Mac With Latest Update: Report

Xbox uses a custom USB protocol for connection of its controller with devices and Apple’s latest updates support it.

Advertisement
Written by Shaurya Tomer, Edited by Siddharth Suvarna | Updated: 8 October 2024 14:37 IST
Highlights
  • Report suggests Apple now supports wired Xbox controller connection
  • Controllers are connected via Type-C cable or using a lightning adapter
  • Notably, Xbox uses a custom USB protocol for connection

Apple recently introduced a dedicated Game Mode with the iOS 18 update

Photo Credit: Apple

iPhone, iPad and Mac will now officially support connection with a wired Xbox controller following Apple's latest update, according to a report. This improves upon previous functionality which only allowed the pairing of game controllers via Bluetooth. Apple's expansion of support for gaming accessories comes at a time when the company is launching major gaming titles for its devices, with Resident Evil Village, Assassin's Creed Mirage, and Death Stranding already available to gamers.

Support for Wired Xbox Controllers Introduced

According to a MacRumors report, wired Xbox controllers are now compatible with Apple devices after the latest iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS 15 Sequoia updates. Prior to the updates, only PlayStation controllers had support for wired connectivity, whereas Xbox controllers could be connected via Bluetooth. Notably, Apple's latest update for the iPhone is iOS 18.0.1 that was rolled out yesterday.

Advertisement

The report suggests Xbox uses a custom USB protocol for connection of its controller with devices and Apple's latest updates support it. Gamers can connect their controllers with their iPhone, iPad or Mac using a USB Type-C to Type-C cable.

Furthermore, even those with older Apple devices which utilise its proprietary lightning port can also take advantage of this feature albeit with some caveats. They will need to purchase a Lightning to USB Camera Adapter separately which is available for purchase on the Apple website for Rs. 2,900.

Advertisement

Other Updates

Apple recently rolled out iOS 18.1 Developer Beta 6 and Public Beta 3 updates for the iPhone, introducing new features. They add new dedicated Control Centre toggles for the AirDrop and Satellite. Meanwhile, there are new Measure and Level shortcuts too.

Notification Summaries also get a new feature that shows the number of received notifications alongside the stack on the lock screen. Apple has also introduced Sleep Apnea detection records and informs the user of any breathing disturbances. Its details can be accessed within the Health app on the iPhone.

 

Get your daily dose of tech news, reviews, and insights, in under 80 characters on Gadgets 360 Turbo. Connect with fellow tech lovers on our Forum. Follow us on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News for instant updates. Catch all the action on our YouTube channel.

Further reading: iOS 18, Xbox Controller, Xbox, Apple
Advertisement

Related Stories

Popular Mobile Brands
  1. Dell XPS 13 Launched in India Alongside New Dell 14S and Dell 16S Laptops
  2. Honor X6e Launched With 7,500mAh Battery
  3. JBL Bar 1000MK2 Review: More Than Just an Audio System
  4. Here's How Much the Vivo S2 Could Cost in India: See Expected Features
  5. Android 17 Beta Rolls Out to Motorola Edge 60 Pro With These Features
  1. Redmi Turbo 6 Max Render Leaks Ahead of Launch: Expected Specifications
  2. Gemini Can Now Read, Summarise, and Draft Replies to Comments in Google Docs 
  3. Paytm Introduces Split Bills for Shared Group Expenses on Its App
  4. India's Telecom User Base Rises in June, Airtel Tops Subscriber Additions: TRAI
  5. Crypto Hacks Top $1 Billion in H1 2026 as Ethereum and Solana Lead Losses: Report
  6. 1inch Introduces Aqua to Unite DeFi Liquidity on 13 Chains
  7. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Sequel Announced by 505 Games With Original Creator's New Studio Involved
  8. WhatsApp Reportedly Testing Home Screen Voice Message Widget for Android Users
  9. Samsung Galaxy S26 FE Charging Speed Upgrade Seems Unlikely as Phone Reportedly Appears on a Certification Site
  10. Google Launches Gemini-Powered Ask Google Pay in India With a Dedicated In-App AI Chatbot
Download Our Apps
Available in Hindi
© Copyright Red Pixels Ventures Limited 2026. All rights reserved.