In a major policy shift, Apple has recently announced a groundbreaking update to its App Store policies, signaling a significant relaxation of its longstanding ban on game streaming apps.
This move comes after years of restrictions that required developers to submit separate apps for each game individually, creating a cumbersome and impractical process. Now, developers are permitted to submit a single app that houses an entire catalog of games, enabling game streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce NOW to release dedicated native apps for iPhones and iPads.
Previously, services like Xbox Cloud Gaming were only accessible through the iOS Safari web browser due to Apple’s stringent rules. With the recent changes, Microsoft, Nvidia, and others are now free to develop and submit dedicated native apps for iPhone and iPad users, making it more convenient for consumers to access these services.
Game streaming apps Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce NOW will soon become available on iPhone
Unlike many recent changes that were specific to the European Union, this game streaming policy update applies globally. The global reach of this change is a clear indication of Apple’s commitment to opening up its platform and providing developers worldwide with more flexibility. From the announcement:
Developers can now submit a single app with the capability to stream all of the games offered in their catalog. Apps will also be able to provide enhanced discovery opportunities for streaming games, mini-apps, mini-games, chatbots, and plug-ins that are found within their apps.
To support the introduction of game streaming apps, Apple is not just stopping at policy changes but is also adding new capabilities to enhance the overall experience. Developers can now provide enhanced discovery opportunities for streaming games, mini-apps, mini-games, chatbots, and plugins within their apps.
In related news, Apple is now allowing separate in-app purchases for the first time. This means services can offer additional paid digital content or services within their apps, such as subscriptions for individual chatbots. The incorporation of Apple’s In-App Purchase system ensures a streamlined and secure transaction process.
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