Xbox App Now Allows Users To Stream Games To iPhone, iPad

Microsoft has announced that iPhone and iPad users can now play their favorite Xbox games on their devices using the Xbox app.

The new Xbox Remote Play feature lets users play the games on their Xbox One, Xbox Series X, or Xbox Series S consoles directly on the iPhone and iPad. Players won't need to download any game – all they need to do is to make sure that the titles are installed on the console.

Here's what iPhone and iPad users need in order to take advantage of the new feature:

• First, they'll need an iPhone or iPad running on iOS 10 or newer and has Bluetooth 4.0+.
• Second, as mentioned. they'll need to have an Xbox One, Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S console.
• Third, a compatible Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth is required. A mobile gaming clip attaching the mobile device to the controller can be used, but it is optional. Gaming accessories like the Razer Kishi controller for iPhone will also work fine.
• Fourth, users will need to have the latest version of the Xbox app installed on their iOS device.
• Fifth, a Microsoft account with an Xbox profile is a must.
• Lastly, users will need an internet connection. Microsoft says a “5Ghz Wi-Fi or mobile data connection” with speeds of “10Mbps down” will be enough.

Once users have all of these, all they need to do is set the feature up to work. Microsoft has provided a tutorial in the Xbox app (App Store link here).

Not “game streaming” exactly

The feature, which has been tested by Microsoft for a few weeks, is different from game streaming via xCloud, MacRumors noted. The new Xbox Remote Play feature requires users to connect their iOS devices to their console in order to play games. The xCloud, on the other hand, is designed to let players stream games directly from Microsoft's servers.

Microsoft's xCloud game streaming service isn't available for iOS devices yet, but the new Xbox Remote Play feature should be a good alternative, especially for those who already own a compatible Xbox console at home.