Microsoft is planning to launch its own play store for iOS devices, such as the iPhone and iPad, by March 2024. This move comes in response to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which will allow all independent game developers to launch their own app stores.
Microsoft’s play store is expected to include all the applications currently available on Xbox, as well as some famous Xbox games that are compatible with Apple devices.
Microsoft’s gaming chief, Phil Spencer, announced the company’s plans to release its own play store not just for iOS, but for Android as well.
Spencer explained that Microsoft wants people to be able to enjoy its games and related content on mobile devices, which is currently difficult to do without a dedicated play store. With their own play store, Microsoft will be able to launch all their games on iOS without having to list them on the app store and avoiding Apple’s 30% cut from sales.
Many other game developers have expressed concern over the monopoly that Apple has over the App Store. By establishing their own play store on both Android and iOS devices, Microsoft will join a growing list of companies seeking to break Apple’s monopoly.
The launch of Microsoft’s play store for iOS devices is expected to be finalized once the company completes its $69 billion acquisition deal with Activision Blizzard. The move is sure to shake up the mobile gaming market and offer consumers more choice in where they download their favorite game۔
Microsoft’s plans to launch its own play store for iOS devices in 2024 is a significant development for the mobile gaming industry. With more competition in the market, consumers are likely to benefit from more choices and potentially lower prices
