Apple confirms App Store guidelines prevent services like xCloud, Stadia and GeForce Now

The last 24 hours has seen the argument for looser iOS App Store restrictions to new heights, with Microsoft joining a growing list of corporations calling out Apple for its anti-competitive approach to new apps and services. Apple has since issued its own statement on the matter, confirming that it will not be allowing services like xCloud, Stadia and GeForce Now on its platform.

Speaking with Business Insider, an Apple spokesperson explained Apple's side of this debate: “The App Store was created to be a safe and trusted place for customers to discover and download apps, and a great business opportunity for all developers. Before they go on our store, all apps are reviewed against the same set of guidelines that are intended to protect customers and provide a fair and level playing field to developers.”

In trying to create a fair playing field for developers, Apple does not allow access to software not running natively or reviewed by Apple itself. This essentially blocks out services like GeForce Now, xCloud and Stadia, as all of those services offer a streamed video feed for game content running on non-Apple hardware.

The issue here is that Apple does allow access to competing video streaming services, but for some reason, interactive content like video games is a no-go.

KitGuru Says: This situation certainly calls for Apple to review its guidelines. Cloud gaming is going to continue to grow in the years to come and iOS users are ultimately going to miss out, making it a less appealing platform for those that play games.

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