While iOS 17.4 is going to bring a lot of new choices and freedom to iPhone users in the EU, iPhone users around the world are finally seeing one or two annoying restrictions lifted too, and we won’t even have to wait for iOS. 17.4 to get it. Apple has long maintained that game streaming services cannot offer apps on iPhone or iPad, instead requiring all individual titles to have separate listings on the App Store. It looks like they’ve finally changed their minds on this.
In a developer advisory, Apple says developers can now submit apps to game streaming services. This means that Xbox Game Pass streaming and GeForce Now, for example, will no longer need to be accessed through frustrating progressive web apps. These apps will still need to follow App Store rules and guidelines. The host application must maintain a rating appropriate for the highest age-rated content to which it provides access.
In addition, applications including mini-apps, mini-games, chatbots and plug-ins will be able to integrate Apple’s in-app purchasing system to offer paid digital content or services for the first time, such as a subscription for an individual chatbot. . These rule changes come with more for developers, including new app analytics and new options allowing developers to offer sign-in features to their apps without requiring a sign-in with Apple.
We’ve yet to see an official statement from Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon, or other game streaming providers regarding app support coming soon. Assuming there are no more major obstacles, some of them could have applications ready within a few days.
These appear to be general changes to the App Store guidelines, meaning these services could also be allowed to publish apps for Apple TV, a huge win for gamers. We might even see virtual gaming setups for Apple Vision Pro, similar to the Xbox Game Pass streaming app on Meta Quest.
