Despite recent changes to the app store to accommodate cloud gaming, Microsoft and Nvidia still don’t have native cloud-gaming apps on iOS. Anyone wishing to play Game Pass via the cloud on their iPhone must use a web app. New submissions to the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) reveal Microsoft’s reasons for not yet publishing an app.
In a submission from late July (via The Verge), Microsoft claims that Apple’s recent changes to its app guidelines are insufficient for Microsoft to release a native iOS app. Microsoft objects to Apple’s 3.11 guideline, which forbids developers from linking to outside websites for subscriptions, thereby circumventing Apple’s 30% cut on app transactions. It claims that, “The 30% commission fee makes it impossible for Microsoft to effectively monetize its cloud gaming service offering,” because other Apple regulations make it impossible for Microsoft to change subscription fees on iOS. Furthermore, Microsoft claims third-party developers would need to recode their own games to fall under Apple’s rules.
Apple countered that other developers have not had similar difficulties with the in-app purchase requirement. It cites Antstream, a retro-gaming cloud app, that Apple assisted with subscription optimizations, editorial frameworks, and public relations review. According to Apple, Microsoft has failed to negotiate with Apple or work towards a compromise, despite Apple’s recent changes and willingness to cooperate with other teams.
The CMA is investigating mobile browsers, browser engines, and the distribution of cloud gaming in the UK. It is identifying remedies to competition issues including requiring cloud gaming native apps to operate on a “read-only” basis (i.e. without in-app purchases) to prevent the need for recoding or requiring Apple to allow cloud gaming clients to provide their own payment systems. The CMA will release a provisional decision report in November. A final report will likely release in February or March 2025.
