Apple has introduced new policies allowing developers to launch their own digital storefronts within the app store.
Apple said its new policy change will allow developers to develop a single app capable of streaming all the games available in their portfolio. The new policy will let the developers show iOS users what plug-ins, mini-games, streaming games, and chatbots are available within their app. Additionally, the revised policy will implement Apple's in-app purchase system; an example includes someone paying for a cloud streaming service or an AI chatbot subscription.
Apple's new app store policies are now akin to Google's, which let developers create a catalog-esque style app, and make it possible for companies like Nvidia and Xbox, both of which have cloud streaming services, to make a dedicated app for their services on iOS. Apple's previous policies made it an arduous process for things like an Xbox Cloud Gaming app to be available on iOS.
Additionally, Xbox boss Phil Spencer has doubled down that Xbox parent company Microsoft wants to launch a mobile games app store that would compete with the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Nvidia and Microsoft did not immediately respond to IGN's requests for comment.
Apple's app store policies regarding the inclusion of third-party app stores has been a topic of contention over the last several years, from being one of the argument points made in Apple's ongoing legal feud with Epic Games, to the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA)'s main goal to enact "rules for digital gatekeepers to ensure open markets."
Apple released a separate press release today detailing new changes coming exclusively to European Union iPhone users. Some additional changes coming to the EU as a result of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) include iPhone users the ability to sideload in addition to allowing full versions of Google Chrome and Firefox to run on iPhone.
Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
