Microsoft Confirms Delay of Xbox Mobile Store Due to Apple

Microsoft Points Finger at Apple for Xbox Mobile Store Delays

The launch of Microsoft’s highly anticipated Xbox mobile store has been delayed, with the tech giant attributing the setback to Apple. According to a report from The Verge, this development follows Microsoft’s recent support for Epic Games in its ongoing legal battle against Apple.

Legal Context and Microsoft’s Position

The latest court ruling appeared to have opened up opportunities for both the Epic Games Store and the Xbox mobile store on iOS. However, Microsoft remains cautious, anticipating an appeal from Apple. To reinforce its position, Microsoft has submitted a comprehensive argument backing the current ruling. An excerpt from this filing highlights their concerns:

The district court’s injunction allows Apple to maintain its in-app exclusivity but at least should have enabled Microsoft to offer consumers a workable solution by launching its own online store — accessible via link-out — for in-app items to be purchased off-app and used in games or other apps. And that is what Microsoft wants to do. But even this solution has been stymied by Apple. Prior to the district court’s most recent order, Microsoft had been unable to implement linked-out payments (or even inform customers that alternative purchase methods exist) because of Apple’s new anti-steering policies that restrict Microsoft’s communication to users and impose an even higher economic cost to Microsoft than before the injunction.

Challenges with Apple’s Policies

Additionally, Microsoft has expressed a desire to allow Xbox app users on iOS to purchase and stream games directly from the app via cloud services or other devices. However, Apple’s stringent policies have hindered Microsoft’s ability to provide these features. Fortunately for Microsoft, the recent injunction opens the door for them to explore these options further. The company’s extensive experience in managing app stores emphasizes the potential for Apple’s policies to revert if they win on appeal.

The Proposed Launch Timeline

Initially, the Xbox mobile store was set to debut in July 2024. In a prior statement made in late November, Xbox president Sarah Bond also pointed to Google as a factor in delaying its launch on the Android platform.

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