Microsoft pinpoints Apple and its old App Store policies as the main culprits that prevented the launch of a mobile-centric Xbox game and app store.

Microsoft filed an amicus brief supporting Epic Games' fight against Apple over its control over the App Store.

The court ruling makes it possible for Microsoft to now launch its Xbox mobile store, but it’s clear that the software giant also wants to ensure Apple’s appeal against the ruling isn’t successful. If Microsoft did launch its Xbox mobile store and then Apple won a temporary stay, it may have to pull that store pending the appeal process.

Just over one year ago, Xbox president Sarah Bond confirmed that Microsoft would launch its Xbox mobile store in July 2024. But as of May 2025, no such store has been launched. The delay is due to Apple, according to a recent Microsoft filing.

Apple's latest scare screen tactic comes less than a month after it was fined by the European Commission over breaching the Digital Markets Act.