Microsoft has finally brought the closed beta for its Project xCloud game streaming service to Apple devices with the Project xCloud Limited iOS TestFlight Preview. The preview period allows a limited number of iPhone owners to play Halo on their phones and tablets.
Project xCloud is Xbox's answer to streaming services like Google Stadia, but, especially if Microsoft decides to allow access to Xbox Game Pass through xCloud, it could be positioned to beat the other streaming companies to a true "Netflix for gaming" service. Microsoft first launched a Project xCloud preview for Android devices last October, and it seemed like a strong start for Xbox games on mobile. The company later followed up with PS4 controller support and more games, increasing the potential of the service significantly.
The Project xCloud iOS preview brings the same concept to iPhones and iPads, but with a few notable limitations. According to Xbox's Major Nelson blog, the 10,000 available spots for the Project xCloud iOS preview filled up quickly after launch, but Microsoft may need to "cycle through registrants in order to best utilize the available testing audience," so users still have a chance to enter the preview if more availability opens up. Here's everything iOS users need to know in order to play Halo on their Apple devices.
How To Register For The Project xCloud iOS Preview
In order to be considered for a preview invitation, users should follow this Project xCloud registration link, select "iOS" under the "Device" drop-down menu, fill out the rest of the information, and agree to the terms at the bottom of the page. If selected for an invitation, registrants will receive an email from TestFlight for "Xbox Game Streaming (Preview)." Users should open this email from their iOS device and follow the link within to download TestFlight, an Apple-owned beta program installation software. Once TestFlight is installed, users can install the the Project xCloud streaming app through it and sign in with their Microsoft Account login info.
Before registering for the preview, iOS users should be aware of a few prerequisites for consideration: In addition to the aforementioned Microsoft and Xbox accounts, users need an iPhone or iPad running iOS 13.0 or later and with Bluetooth 4.0 support, a Bluetooth-enabled Xbox One controller, and a Wi-Fi or cellular data connection that supports 10Mbps-down bandwidth (5Ghz Wi-Fi connection recommended). Finally, users should note that the iOS preview has several restrictions compared to the Android preview. It is currently only available in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, does not support streaming games from a nearby Xbox console, and only has one playable game - Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
The Project xCloud iOS preview launched on February 12, 2020.