Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple relaxed the App Store rules earlier this year, paving the way for cloud gaming apps on the iPhone. However, Microsoft and Nvidia have not yet listed their cloud gaming services on the App Store. The former argues that Apple’s rules are still too restrictive for this.
Microsoft’s main issue revolves around the 30% commission that Apple wants for IAPs. It says the fee is “neither economically sustainable nor justifiable.”
Current App Store guidelines make Xbox Cloud Gaming “impossible” on the App Store
Apple is frequently subjected to various regulatory scrutinies due to its monopolistic behavior and practices. In June 2022, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority started an investigation surrounding mobile browser engines and the distribution of cloud gaming services.
Microsoft submitted its comments on the matter in late July, highlighting Apple’s unethical and unfeasible behavior. It raised issues with several guidelines that “limit its ability to distribute and operate a Cloud Gaming iOS native app.”
While there are several guidelines, the main bone of contention appears to be Apple’s 30% commission for in-app purchases. In its reply, as The Verge reports, Microsoft says the “commission fee is at a level that is neither economically sustainable nor justifiable.”
It also notes that complying with Apple’s IAP rules will require third-party developers to rework their games.
This fee makes it “impossible” for Microsoft to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to the iPhone through the App Store. It further adds that Apple’s 30% fee is because of its monopoly over iOS app distribution.
Microsoft wants Apple to relax more App Store rules
Microsoft also raised concerns about Apple’s guidelines that prevent developers from pointing users to subscription purchase methods outside of the App Store. Apple only provides selected “Reader” apps with this exemption, for which cloud gaming apps do not qualify.
The CMA will issue its preliminary report on the investigation in November this year. After that, Microsoft, Apple, and other parties will have a couple of months to argue. The final report should release early next year.