The Verge reports that Microsoft has stopped testing Project xCloud on iOS due to restrictions in Apple's App Store policy. However, the Xbox game streaming service on Android is in full swing.

Project xCloud has had very limited testing on iOS through the beta Xbox Game Streaming app; on Android, a number of games are available for testing as part of the beta.

Other streaming services like Google Stadia and Nvidia GeForce Now seem to be struggling to make it on iOS, and now it's clear why: according to Business Insider, Apple has announced that Xbox Game Pass claims that game streaming services like Xbox Game Pass are against App Store policy.

"Before being listed on our store, all apps are reviewed against the same guidelines aimed at protecting customers and providing a fair and level playing field for developers," an Apple spokesperson told Business Insider.

Apple is notorious for its "walled garden" approach to its software ecosystem and is quite strict about what is allowed in the App Store. Apple Arcade is a Cupertino-based gaming service that charges a monthly fee for iOS-only mobile access to games, but does not have its own game streaming service. It is therefore a bit odd that other game streaming services seem to be blocked from the App Store; streaming services like Spotify and Netflix do not seem to be given the same scrutiny on iOS, so Apple's statement seems a bit odd.

Because of these limitations, the iPhone 12 will not be able to stream Xbox games when it arrives later this year. That said, Samsung's Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, with xCloud optimization and comes with three months of free access to Xbox Game Pass, make it a more attractive option for gaming fans than Apple's upcoming smartphones.

On September 15, all modern Android phones will have access to Xbox Game Pass and xCloud game streaming.

Microsoft has committed to bringing all first-party games to Xbox Game Pass, with a $15/month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription that will allow users to play games on Xbox One, Windows 10 PC, and soon you will be able to play them on Xbox Series X and through the cloud. In other words, you will be able to start a Halo Infinite game on your Xbox Series X and continue playing it on your Android phone while on the go.

And speaking of the Xbox Series X, this partnership will likely give you access to years worth of next-generation games without having to get an expensive new console. This is a ridiculously compelling reason to get a phone like the Galaxy S20, OnePlus Nord, or Pixel 4a over an iPhone.

Given the huge number of Android phones in the world, Microsoft has a huge user base to target with Xbox Game Pass. Also, since an Xbox One or Xbox Series X is not necessary to access Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft will be able to successfully launch its next generation of games, even if the Xbox Series X sells fewer units than Sony's PS5.

It is understandable that Apple wants to attract iOS gamers to Apple Arcade. However, while Arcade has great titles like Grindstone, Sayonara Wild Hearts, and What the Golf, it does not have the name recognition of big AAA names like Halo, Gears, and Game Pass games like Forza.

In short, it's a pretty exciting time to be an Xbox fan and an Android user. And Apple is being forced to either step up its Apple Arcade offering or embrace Xbox streaming due to the huge install base of iOS.