Xbox Series X controller support is coming to Apple devices in future update

By Giovanni Colantonio November 20, 2020

A new update on an Apple support page confirms that Xbox Series X controller support is coming to Apple devices. The update would allow players to pair new Xbox controllers to devices like iPhones and Macs.

Apple mentioned that it is actively working on bringing Xbox controller support to its devices on its page that details how to pair the DualShock 4 and the Xbox Wireless Controller to Apple products. Under a list of supported controllers, the page notes that “Microsoft and Apple are working together to bring compatibility for the Xbox Series X controller to customers in a future update.” No exact release date or time frame is listed.

The planned update will allow Xbox owners to play supported games from Apple Arcade and the App Store with the new controller on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Apple TV, and Mac.

Curiously, the support page doesn’t mention PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller yet. While DualSense support seems likely, Apple doesn’t mention an active collaboration with Sony for controller support.

While the update isn’t surprising, it’s important for Microsoft as it builds out its xCloud offering. Microsoft’s cloud gaming service is currently only available on Android devices, with Apple support planned next year. Apple recently put somewhat of a wrench in those plans after updating its app guidelines to say that catalogue streaming services like xCloud must still offer each game as its own separate download.

In the meantime, Apple devices currently support the Xbox Wireless Controller, Elite Series 2, and Microsoft’s Adaptive Controller, all of which are on our list of the best Xbox One controllers currently available.

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Giovanni Colantonio

Section Editor, Gaming

Giovanni is a writer and video producer focusing on happenings in the video game industry. He has contributed stories to…

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Xbox Series X on a table.

Head of Xbox Phil Spencer has finally commented on the massive Xbox leak that happened earlier today. In his public statement, he explained that "so much has changed" since many of the documents were created and asked fans to be excited about Xbox's future.
On Tuesday morning, unredacted versions of a lot of documents pertaining to the Xbox vs. FTC trial appeared. These emails and documents, most of which were created or written sometime between 2020 and 2022, revealed a lot of unannounced information. That included things like a mid-gen refresh for the Xbox Series X and S, some unannounced Bethesda games, and even Microsoft's early goals for its next-generation console. Hours later, Spencer commented on the leak.
"We've seen the conversation around old emails and documents," Spencer explained on X (formerly known as Twitter). "It is hard to see our team's work shared in this way because so much has changed and there's so much to be excited about right now, and in the future. We will share the real plans when we are ready."
https://twitter.com/XboxP3/status/1704233222752571842
At first, people didn't know where the leak came from, with the FTC quickly denying that it leaked these things. Ultimately, United States District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley revealed that Microsoft had done it to itself while trying to provide the court with a secure cloud link to relevant exhibits for the trial. The Verge went on to report that Phil Spencer also sent out a memo internally about the leaks today, echoing the statements in his tweet.
"Today, several documents submitted in the court proceedings related to our proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard were unintentionally disclosed. I know this is disappointing, even if many of the documents are well over a year old and our plans have evolved," Spencer's memo reads. "I also know we all take the confidentiality of our plans and our partners’ information very seriously. This leak obviously is not us living up to that expectation. We will learn from what happened and be better going forward. We all put incredible amounts of passion and energy into our work, and this is never how we want that hard work to be shared with the community. That said, there’s so much more to be excited about, and when we’re ready, we’ll share the real plans with our players. In closing, I appreciate all of the work that you pour into Team Xbox to surprise and delight our players."
The fact that Microsoft did this to itself is an embarrassing accident, especially when some of the information contained within the documents and emails is no longer accurate. For now, all we can do is wait and see if Microsoft will actually release new versions of its Xbox Series X and S consoles next year and if games like Doom Year Zero, a sequel to Ghostwire: Tokyo, and Dishonored 3 get announced.