Recently, Microsoft has been trying to bring the xCloud cloud-streaming service to the App Store. But it is not likely that this will happen due to Apple’s strict regulations. However, you are still able to remotely play your Xbox One games on your iPhone or iPad via the latest version of the Xbox app.
So what are the differences between this Xbox app feature and the xCloud service? And how does it works? Let’s find out.
Differences
Basically, they work in different ways:
- The new Xbox App lets you stream games from your Xbox One console to your iPhone, meaning an Xbox One console is required to use it.
- Microsoft’s xCloud service lets you stream games directly from the server, without the need for an Xbox One console.
Which Games Can You Stream Via The Xbox App?
Unfortunately, the Xbox app’s streaming feature currently supports Xbox One games only. This mean that you won’t be able to play Xbox 360 or original Xbox games even if you have them installed on your Xbox One console. In addition, you won’t be able to play PC Game Pass games that have been installed on your PC.
But the good news is that according to Microsoft, the Xbox app’s streaming feature will support the upcoming Xbox Series X and Series S on day one.
What Does It Require?
There are a few things you need to do in order to use this feature properly. First of all, any Xbox games you want to stream need to be locally installed onto your Xbox One console, or their disks are inserted into the disk drive. This feature is NOT Cloud-streaming, meaning that you will stream the games you have over Wi-Fi or mobile data.
If you want to play via wifi, you will need to connect your console and your iPhone/iPad in the same wifi. It is recommended to use a 5GHz network for a faster and more stable connection. In case you have to play over the mobile data, make sure that you have a good connection with at least a 10mb download speed.
And finally, you will need an Xbox One wireless controller synced up to your Apple device. To do this, follow these steps:
- Hold down the Xbox One logo, located on the top center of the controller, until its backlight starts flashing. This will activate its Bluetooth
- On iPhone/iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth.
- In the Bluetooth menu, you should see a device named “Xbox One Wireless Controller”.
- Pair your phone with the controller and done, now they are synced
If you have a controller mount to slot your iPhone into, it will be very useful helpful as well.
How to Remote Play Xbox Games on Your iPhone/iPad via the Xbox app
If you have met all those requirements, you’re ready to start streaming in the app. Everything you need to do is.
- Start the Xbox app on your device
- Switch to the My Library tab
- Select Consoles
- Tap Connect under the console you want to stream from.
- You will see a short animation and then your Xbox console’s home screen will get mirrored on your iPhone/iPad
- Grab your controller, select the games you want to play, start it up, and ENJOY!
