Mario Bautista
Microsoft has revealed that Apple’s App Store rules have delayed the release of the Xbox mobile game store on iOS in a legal filing supporting Epic Games in its ongoing legal dispute against Apple. The case between Epic Games and Apple has continued for years in the courts regarding Fortnite and its in-app purchase commissions on Apple’s mobile app platform. Now, Microsoft is offering an argument in the case against Apple, as well.
Microsoft announced its plans to launch a mobile Xbox store in 2023, initially targeting a July 2024 release. The store was part of a broader push to expand Xbox services to mobile platforms, following its acquisition of mobile entities such as Candy Crush, but the project seems to have come to a standstill.
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In a newly submitted legal brief, unearthed by The Verge, Microsoft explains that Apple’s policies have prevented it from offering users proper access to its own mobile store. The brief was filed in the case between Epic Games and Apple, supporting Epic’s position and challenging Apple’s payment scheme. The company argues that even after a district court ruling in favor of Epic Games, Apple continued to impose restrictions that blocked Microsoft from fully implementing its store. Microsoft claims that due to the App Store’s restrictive policies, it was unable to give users access to alternative payment options and therefore implement its store fully.
Mobile Xbox Store Waiting for Further Court Orders to Secure Off-App Purchases
Microsoft stated that its proposed solution for the app simply tries to give gamers access to more payment options. In the document, Microsoft details that it wants to offer gamers a way to purchase in-app items that can be used in games and other apps with purchases made outside the iOS app. However, according to Microsoft, Apple’s current rules still prohibit the company’s workaround, although Fortnite has returned to the iOS App Store after Epic’s win in court. Apple is in the process of appealing the April 2025 ruling, prolonging the court saga.
Currently, Microsoft fears launching a store only to have it revoked if Apple’s appeal succeeds, and would send Microsoft back to the drawing board. This isn’t the first time Microsoft has had issues launching apps on Apple’s platform, either. In 2020, Microsoft and Apple clashed with regard to game streaming policies, which Microsoft claimed offered a “bad experience for customers.”
With both Epic Games and Microsoft pointing their fingers at the App Store’s harsh policies, Apple is likely to have a hard time convincing the appeals court of its point of view, especially with public opinion largely behind the opposition. However, the continuing case unfortunately means that the consumer has to wait longer to get access to Microsoft’s storefront on iOS.
- Date Founded
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April 4, 1975
- Headquarters
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Redmond, Washington, United States
- CEO
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Satya Nadella
- Subsidiaries
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activision blizzard, Microsoft Studios, Mojang Studios, Microsoft Game Studios, Xbox Game Studios
Source: Microsoft Reveals How Apple Has Delayed Its Xbox Mobile Game Store on iOS
