Currently, Xbox mobile players (iOS and Android) have access to two distinct apps: the Xbox app, which offers console access, game streaming, and social features, and the Xbox Game Pass app, which provides subscription-based access to a library of downloadable games. With the upcoming merger, users will be able to access all these features within a single app.
Microsoft will begin migrating features from the Xbox Game Pass app to the main Xbox app, starting with Xbox beta members and eventually rolling it out to all users. The transition will be gradual, with new downloads of the Xbox Game Pass app being blocked from November onwards, encouraging users to adopt the unified Xbox app. Eventually, the Xbox Game Pass app will be phased out and users will no longer be able to download games from it.
What you can do with the Xbox app on mobile. | Image credit — Xbox
This consolidation effort makes sense from a user experience perspective, eliminating confusion about which app to use for different functionalities. It also aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy to streamline its offerings and make Xbox gaming more accessible across various platforms.
In addition to the mobile app changes, Microsoft also announced other updates aimed at enhancing the overall Xbox experience. These include allowing players to start playing games as soon as updates are live, new Wish List notifications, and various improvements to the Windows version of the Xbox app.