Xbox mobile store launch delayed: Microsoft cites these Apple restrictions in court filing

Microsoft 's planned Xbox mobile web store, which was initially set to release in July 2024, has been officially delayed. The tech giant has identified iPhone maker Apple as the reason for the postponement. Microsoft reportedly said this in a recently filed brief in support of Epic Games' ongoing legal dispute with Apple regarding App Store control. The brief challenges Apple’s attempt to overturn an injunction that allows Epic and other developers to advertise alternative payment methods within their apps without incurring additional Apple fees for outside purchases. This ruling enabled Fortnite to return to the App Store in the US, allowing Epic Games to link to its payment system within the game. Microsoft has aimed to offer a similar experience for its Xbox mobile store, but states its solution "has been stymied by Apple."


What Microsoft said about Apple’s role in the delay of Xbox mobile web store


In the briefing (seen by The Verge) Microsoft explained: “The district court’s injunction allows Apple to maintain its in-app exclusivity but at least should have enabled Microsoft to offer consumers a workable solution by launching its own online store — accessible via link-out — for in-app items to be purchased off-app and used in games or other apps. And that is what Microsoft wants to do. But even this solution has been stymied by Apple. Prior to the district court’s most recent order, Microsoft had been unable to implement linked-out payments (or even inform customers that alternative purchase methods exist) because of Apple’s new anti-steering policies that restrict Microsoft’s communication to users and impose an even higher economic cost to Microsoft than before the injunction.”

The court’s decision paves the way for Microsoft to roll out its Xbox mobile store, but the company also seems to be keen to prevent Apple from successfully appealing the ruling, The Verge reports. If Microsoft were to launch the store and Apple then secured a temporary stay, Microsoft would likely have to suspend the store until the appeal is resolved, the report claims

In its filing, Microsoft also pointed out that “Apple makes no argument that the technical or policy changes cannot be undone,” and therefore urges that the ruling be enforced while Apple’s appeal is pending.

“Microsoft’s own experience managing app stores confirms that Apple’s policies could be restored if Apple ultimately prevails on appeal,” the company noted.

The court ruling also affects Microsoft’s Xbox mobile app on iPhones. As Microsoft explains in its filing, “Similarly, Microsoft has long sought to enable Xbox app users on iOS to both buy and stream games in the app from the cloud or their other devices,” but “Apple’s policies have restricted Microsoft’s ability to offer these functionalities together; the injunction allows Microsoft to explore this possibility.”

Last month, Microsoft started allowing in-app purchases of games and DLC on iPhones, but had to disable the remote play feature to comply with App Store rules. Currently, users cannot buy an Xbox game in the iOS app and stream it there as well— instead, they have to visit the Xbox Cloud Gaming website in a browser.

As announced by Sarah Bond in October, players would soon be able to “purchase and play games within the Xbox app,” following a court order requiring Google to open Android to third-party stores. The feature was expected for November, but Bond attributed its delay to a “temporary administrative stay.”