One of the benefits of a service like Google Stadia or Microsoft's Project xCloud is that you can game on basically any mobile device imaginable. Don't own the specific console needed for a game? That's not a problem in our crazy digital future. Just grab whatever old mobile device you want, pair a gamepad, and start gaming. Thing is, it looks like anyone with an Apple device won't be able to join in on that fun.
In a statement given to Business Insider, Apple outright confirmed that apps like Stadia, xCloud, and even Nvidia's GeForce Now are in direct violation of App Store guidelines. In their current forms, none of these apps can exist on iOS because they don't offer direct access to games for Apple to individually review. In other words, the fact that you aren't paying Apple any extra money is the reason you won't be streaming on your iPhone.
"Our customers enjoy great apps and games from millions of developers, and gaming services can absolutely launch on the App Store," an Apple representative told Business Insider, "as long as they follow the same set of guidelines applicable to all developers, including submitting games individually for review, and appearing in charts and search."
When you step back and think about this, it makes little sense. Apple allows Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Peacock to be available through the App Store. It also runs its own Apple Arcade service that doesn't individually sell games. The difference here is that Apple has something of a stake in each of those services, whereas Stadia and xCloud are run by direct competitors.
This follows a similar issue that Valve faced when it attempted to launch Steam Link for iOS. At first, Steam Link allowed users access to the Steam store to purchase games and applications for their PCs. To get around Apple's restrictions, Valve had to remove the option of buying things so users could get access to the streaming capabilities it was trying to push.
There's a chance both Google and Microsoft can eventually work something out, but it won't be happening in 2020. It's also weird considering Microsoft launched a beta for xCloud on iOS, though that has since been removed. Ultimately, if you were planning on signing up for Game Pass Ultimate to use on your iPhone, you better change your plans.
Source: Business Insider