Apple’s App Store guidelines have changed, may allow xCloud and Stadia

Apple has updated its App Store guidelines to include wording that acknowledges game streaming services. These changes create a path for companies like Microsoft and Google to bring their game streaming services to the platform.

Tom Warren, Senior Editor of The Verge, has annotated on Twitter that Apple has updated its App Store guidelines. Based on a reading of Section 4.9 Game Streaming, the guidelines appear to establish the conditions that must be met in order for a game streaming service to function on the platform.

4.9 Game streaming

Game streaming is allowed as long as they meet all guidelines; For example, each game update must be submitted for review, developers must provide the appropriate metadata for search, games must use in-app purchase to unlock features or functionality, etc. Of course, there are always web and internet browser applications open to reach all users outside of the App Store.

4.9.1 Each streaming game needs to be submitted to the App Store as an individual app to have an App Store product page, appear in charts and searches, have user ratings and reviews, can be managed with ScreenTime and other apps parental control. appears on the user’s device, etc.

In short, it appears that all games on the platform should be submitted to the App Store as an individual application for review. This also means that each game would have to include a store page, allowing users to review it, appear in searches, and be controlled via parental control apps.

The guidelines also mention a “catalog app,” which could be a reference to the likes of Xbox Game Pass.

4.9.2 Game streaming services may offer a catalog application on the App Store to help users register for the service and find the games on the App Store, provided that the application complies with all guidelines, including the offers users the option to pay for a subscription with in-app purchase and use Sign in with Apple. All games included in the catalog app must be linked to an individual product page in the App Store.

This is a wise move on Apple’s part. Not only does this appear to provide a way for Microsoft and Google to bring xCloud and Stadia, respectively, to the platform (which will act as another means of revenue), but it also ensures that users don’t switch ecosystems.

For many Xbox users, the appeal of xCloud is immediately obvious, and if it wasn’t available on iPhone devices, some may consider switching to Android for the service.

It is certainly not as clear cut as users and developers might have hoped. If every game has a store page, does that mean Apple wants games to be purchased outside of the streaming service? Plus, will Microsoft and Google (and others to come) be happy with Apple’s 30% cut, especially given recent reports that Apple gave Amazon a one-time fee?

All of this has seemingly fused together at a time when Apple is in the middle of a lawsuit with Epic Games, the developers of Fortnite, over how in-app purchases are handled on the platform. Apple has banned access to Fortnite and has also limited Epic Games’ access to Apple’s SDK. Microsoft has voiced its support for Epic Games, stating that the company should have access to Apple’s SDK for the Unreal Engine to move forward.

All of this leads to incredibly cloudy water. How Microsoft and Google react to these changes in the App Store guidelines remains to be seen. Keep it locked up on Shacknews for upcoming updates and statements on Apple’s guideline changes.