Microsoft is planning to combine its Xbox Game Pass and Xbox mobile apps into a single application soon. The software maker is testing a new version of the Xbox app for iOS and Android this week that includes features from the separate Xbox Game Pass app.
You’ll soon be able to explore the full Game Pass library and manage memberships within the Xbox mobile app. Game Pass Ultimate members will also be able to claim perks within this updated Xbox app.
“These updates will be available for Xbox beta members on mobile and will be coming to everyone soon,” says Microsoft in a blog post. “As part of these changes, we will no longer support new downloads of the Xbox Game Pass app, starting in November.”
The new Xbox app will now include the Game Pass integration alongside party chat, text chat, access to game captures, and the ability to remote install or remote play games. Microsoft and Apple continue to argue about cloud gaming apps, so there’s still no ability to stream games on iOS or Android inside of the Xbox mobile apps. If you want to stream games to your phone, you’ll need to continue to access xbox.com/play from a browser.
The mobile Game Pass changes come just weeks after Microsoft launched its Xbox Game Pass Standard tier, which includes console multiplayer access for $14.99 per month. Microsoft first detailed Xbox Game Pass Standard in July, alongside price increases for Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers.
Original author: Tom Warren