Now The Apple Store Will Sell You An Xbox Controller: Here's Why

Apple just revealed an Xbox One wireless controller in their online Apple Store – but why? Because just so long as you've got the latest version of iOS, iPad OS, or Apple TV, you can play games wirelessly with the Xbox One controller. This comes just after the launch of Apple Arcade, the brand's first game subscription service for multiple platforms.

The Microsoft-made Xbox Wireless Controller was added to the Apple Store online today – and you'll likely see it in your local physical Apple Store now too. The Xbox Wireless Controller and the DUALSHOCK 4 (PlayStation 4 controller) from Sony both connect to Apple devices with the release of iOS 13, iPadOS 13, tvOS 13, and macOS Catalina. Again, just after the launch of Apple Arcade.

You can find an official wireless gaming controller connectivity how-to guide on Apple (via the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine for posterity) right this minute. That's specific for the Xbox Wireless Controller and the Sony DUALSHOCK 4 for connectivity with iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac.

NOTE: Microsoft clearly worked with Microsoft to make this pairing of worlds happen – but it's not JUST Microsoft that Apple works with for this sort of pairing. While it's possible there'll be a Sony DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller in the Apple Store in the future, for now it's just the Xbox One controller from Microsoft.*

*It's also important to note that this is not the only wireless controller made by a 3rd-party source that you'll find in the Apple Store right now. The collection includes devices from Horipad, SteelSeries, Rotor Riot (wired), and Gamevice. Gamevice also makes controllers that attach to the sides of iPads and iPhones for a Nintendo Switch sort of situation.