The rise of game streaming services like GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass has opened up new avenues for accessing full-power PC and console games on mobile devices. However, Apple’s strict policies have long served as a barrier to such services, preventing them from releasing dedicated apps on the App Store. But recent developments indicate a significant shift in Apple’s stance.
In a surprising move, Apple announced an update to its iOS and iPadOS developer portal, signaling that game streaming services will now be allowed on the platform, albeit subject to the same scrutiny as other apps on the App Store. This marks a significant departure from Apple’s previous policy, which had been in place since 2020, when the company consistently rejected applications from Microsoft and others seeking to stream high-powered games to iPhones and iPads.
Internal emails revealed during a court case shed light on Apple’s concerns, suggesting that the company viewed game streaming apps as a means of circumventing the traditional app review process and flooding the platform with multiple games. However, critics speculated that Apple’s true motive may have been to safeguard its lucrative gaming ecosystem.
Notably, Apple’s policy seemed inconsistent, as it allowed media streaming services like Netflix and HBO Max to stream content with violent and sexual content, while restricting game streaming apps. Moreover, Android’s Google Play Store had no qualms about hosting game streaming services, with Google even offering its own service, Stadia.
The reversal of Apple’s policy comes amid mounting pressure, including an antitrust ruling in the European Union compelling Apple to open up the iPhone and iPad to third-party app stores. This decision follows a legal battle initiated by Epic Games, which seeks to challenge Apple’s control over in-app purchases and revenue sharing. As Epic Games prepares to bring Fortnite back to iOS, the landscape of mobile gaming is poised for significant changes.
