Microsoft Sides with Epic Games Against Apple, Delays Xbox Mobile Store Launch

Microsoft has thrown its weight behind Epic Games in their ongoing battle against Apple’s strict control over iOS, citing the same issues as the reason for delaying the launch of its Xbox mobile store. The Fortnite maker recently returned to the Apple App Store in the US, but problems persist for other developers. Microsoft, one of Apple’s significant critics, has been waiting for policy changes to debut its Xbox mobile store app. In a recent court filing supporting Epic Games, Microsoft detailed the challenges it faces with Apple. The Xbox game store on iOS was promised to be a new source for in-game items and a platform for third-party mobile games. Microsoft initially planned to release it by 2025, but Apple’s policies have consistently thwarted these plans. The company told the court that Apple has “stymied” every attempt to incorporate a third-party payment portal and inform customers about it. While Microsoft can technically release the Xbox game store on Apple’s App Store with its third-party payment service, the current injunction is under consideration. If Apple wins a temporary stay, Microsoft would have to pull the plug on the Xbox mobile store until a final verdict is reached, potentially causing bad press for the software giant. The Xbox game store app aims to bypass Apple’s App Store payment portal and avoid the 30 percent commission. Apple’s policies also affect the main Xbox companion app, which Microsoft plans to use to let members purchase and stream games directly within the app. Currently, Xbox cloud gaming subscribers must use the web version to stream games via a browser due to these restrictions.