Microsoft could be bringing something pretty nifty to iOS-based gaming.
Following its debut of its Project xCloud streaming game service as a preview last fall on Android, Microsoft on Wednesday launched the preview for iOS via TestFlight. The iOS preview is limited to 10,000 testers.
Per Microsoft:
Ever since we launched the Project xCloud preview last year, we’ve continued to field requests for iOS support (I’ve seen your tweets). We’ve been testing an iOS client internally, and today, we’re taking the next step by making the Project xCloud preview available for iOS users through the TestFlight program.
The iOS preview is available to users in the US, UK, and Canada and offers the following differences between the iOS preview and Android preview:
- Unlike the Xbox Game Streaming (Preview) app on Android, this iOS TestFlight preview is for Project xCloud only and does not include Xbox Console Streaming (Preview) at this time.
- Due to App Store policy, the iOS TestFlight preview will begin with one game, “Halo: The Master Chief Collection.”
- As is standard with iOS TestFlight builds, we’re starting with a very limited preview audience. Up to 10,000 testers will be invited into the preview, but we anticipate that demand will exceed our capacity and we will be unable to accommodate all applicants. We’ll distribute invitations to participate on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Because of how iOS TestFlight works, those who are accepted into the iOS TestFlight preview may not necessarily participate for the full duration of the preview. As noted earlier, there are limited spaces available, so for testing purposes we may need to cycle through registrants in order to best utilize the available testing audience. This also means that even if you miss out on the initial allocation, you might receive an invitation to participate later in the preview!
Microsoft has also stated that it intends to move beyond the Halo: The Master Chief Collection title and bring all 3,500+ Xbox games to Project xCloud over the next few years.
Other requirements include your iPhone or iPad running iOS 13.0 or later, having a Microsoft account/Xbox gamer tag, as well as an Xbox wireless controller.
Microsoft has also noted for those having trouble logging in to “please ensure your browser allows Cross-Site Tracking and Cookies.”
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.