Microsoft is in a battle with Apple over the delayed Xbox mobile store launch

On Tuesday, May 20, Microsoft filed an amicus brief supporting Epic Games’ fight against Apple over its control over the App Store. Microsoft Xbox President Sarah Bond revealed plans to launch a new Xbox mobile web store a year ago in July 2024. That never happened, and the blame was linked to Apple’s control.

The brief was filed after Apple attempted to file an injunction allowing Epic Games and other developers to advertise different payment systems in their apps freely. The ruling already allowed the Fortnite game to be reinstated on the US App Store, with the ability to link out of Apple’s payment system inside the game.

Microfot slams Apple with a lawsuit over Apple’s control of the App Store

The Windows software giant plans to ensure Apple’s appeal never makes it out of court successfully, even after the court ruling made it possible for Microsoft to launch its Xbox mobile store. Microsoft wrote in its filing that Apple’s argument on technical or policy changes will not be undone, urging the court to make the ruling before Apple’s appeal. 

Microsoft blames Apple for its delayed Xbox mobile store. Microsoft has filed support for Epic Games’ fight with Apple, as it wants to launch lots of new Xbox mobile improvements. Details 👇 https://t.co/pBjV7s4ubb

— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) May 21, 2025

According to Microsoft, Apple’s policies could be reinstated if the appeal is successful. Microsoft’s court filings revealed that Microsoft long sought to enable Xbox app users on iOS to buy and stream from the cloud. Apple’s policies restricted Microsoft’s ability to offer such functionalities together. 

Last month, Microsoft rolled out the ability to buy games and DLC inside the Xbox mobile app. However, the company was forced to remove the remote play option feature to adhere to Apple’s policies. Currently, buying an Xbox game using the Xbox mobile app on iOS and streaming it using the same app is impossible. Users have to navigate to the Xbox Cloud or use a browser to get access to the cloud game. 

Bill Gates-led company explained that the district court injunction allowed Apple to maintain its in-app exclusivity, but it should also have enabled Microsoft to offer consumers a workable solution by launching its online store. The online store would be accessible via a link for in-app items purchased off-app and used in games or other apps. 

Microsoft said the online store solution was blocked by Apple, making them unable to implement linked-out payments or even inform customers of an alternative purchase method.

Microsoft sees a possibility to launch the Xbox app on iOS and Android

Sarah Bond revealed plans to let players buy and play games within the Xbox app on Android in October this year. The plans came after the court ruled that Google should also open the Android app store to third-party app stores. Google will no longer force developers to use its own Google Play Billing after a Jury found that Google had illegally tied its payment system to its app store.

According to Microsoft, Xbox store purchase support directly in the mobile Android app will allow Microsoft to sell Xbox games freely on Android devices. The integrated Xbox Cloud Gaming features mean players can immediately stream games to their handsets after purchasing them. 

The software giant also revealed plans for a browser-based Xbox mobile store that was initially planned to launch in July. The store will focus on first-party mobile games from Microsoft’s studios but initially feature deals and in-game items.

The injunction allowed Fortnite to be restored in the U.S. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney offered a peace proposal, making Epic drop all current and future litigation on the issue if Apple agreed to apply the new policies.

Epic Games is also preparing to launch its mobile webshop next month, with a zero commission scheme for developers who publish in the store. According to Epic Games, the move seeks to undercut Apple’s fees and attract other mobile game developers who wish more control over revenue and distribution.