Xbox is rolling out a significant update to its mobile app on Android and iOS, allowing beta testers to purchase games, DLC, and Game Pass subscriptions directly within the app.
After a months-long wait, Xbox is letting beta testers buy games, DLC, and more from its app on Android and iOS. The update is arriving for beta testers, but Xbox says it will be available to everyone “soon.” Xbox president Sarah Bond first announced plans to let players purchase and play games within the Xbox app in October – just days after a court ruled that Google must crack open Android to third-party app stores.
The feature was initially expected to arrive in November, but Bond blamed a “temporary administrative stay” for holding it back. Once Microsoft officially launches in-app game purchases, users will see a “Buy” button on game pages if they already have a form of payment saved. They will also be able to preorder games and set them to preinstall on their Xbox consoles, as well as redeem Game Pass Ultimate perks.
However, the update comes with a notable change: the remote play feature will no longer be available within the main Xbox app. Xbox notes that users can still access remote play from their mobile browser. Additionally, Xbox is bringing remote play to supported Samsung TVs, Amazon Fire TV devices, and Meta Quest headsets.
Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will gain the ability to stream select games they own from Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles, eliminating the need to download games before playing. Xbox has recently added more titles to its “stream your own game” collection, including Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed and Subnautica 2.
A new game hub feature is also being introduced, providing “relevant information” about games, such as player stats, achievements, friends currently playing the game, events, and available add-ons. This update brings significant enhancements to the Xbox mobile app experience.
