Microsoft’s plan to launch its Xbox mobile web store in July 2024 has been quietly delayed — and now we know why.
According to a recent court filing, Microsoft says Apple’s strict App Store rules are the reason the new store hasn’t gone live yet.
In the filing, Microsoft supports Epic Games in its ongoing legal fight against Apple. The tech giant argues that Apple is trying to overturn a court ruling that currently allows developers like Epic to show users other ways to pay, outside of Apple’s App Store, without paying Apple extra fees.
Microsoft wants to offer a similar option through its Xbox mobile store, where players could buy in-game items directly from the web. But Apple’s rules have made this nearly impossible. Microsoft says Apple is using new “anti-steering” policies that block it from even telling users about these alternative payment options.
Before the court’s latest decision, Microsoft says Apple’s rules made it too expensive and complicated to launch the store. Even now, the company is being cautious. If Apple wins its appeal, Microsoft might be forced to shut down the store shortly after launching it.
Microsoft also highlights how these policies hurt other features too. For example, the Xbox mobile app on iOS doesn’t allow users to buy a game and stream it in the same app. Instead, players have to use a separate browser to access Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Meanwhile, Microsoft is also working on adding game purchasing and streaming features to its Xbox app on Android. That rollout was delayed too, this time due to a court order related to Google’s app store policies.
In short, Microsoft is pushing back hard against Apple’s control over iOS apps — and wants the court to keep the current ruling in place so it can finally launch its long-awaited Xbox mobile store.
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