Updated 06/28/21: Xbox Cloud Gaming through the browser is now available to all Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. This article has been updated throughout with the latest information from Microsoft.
Xbox’s Streaming service only works on PC and Android devices for now, but there are alternative software solutions you can try to stream your Xbox games to Mac.
Last year, we wrote about how Apple’s restrictive App Store rules would cause millions of gamers to miss out on Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming service (née xCloud). Microsoft later updated the Xbox app to stream games over your local network from your own Xbox, but that’s not the same thing as a cloud gaming service where you don’t need to download or install games at all.
After months of hand-wringing and probably back-room negotiations, Microsoft finally announced that it would build a web-based solution for devices on which it can’t provide an app, like iPhone and iPad. After a short invite-only beta period, Microsoft has announced that all Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can now enjoy Xbox Cloud Gaming on Mac, iPhone, or iPad. To play, simply visit xbox.com/play using Edge, Chrome, or Safari browsers on your Apple device.
Most games are made to be played with a controller, but Apple’s devices support modern Xbox controllers just fine. Just sync it to your Mac as you would any Bluetooth device, or plug in via USB. On iPhone or iPad, we have a guide to pairing your Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S controller.
In addition to the broad availability of Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly code-named xCloud) to all subscribers, Microsoft has upgraded the servers that run the games in the cloud to new hardware based on the Xbox Series X. This means faster performance, much quicker loading times, and better visual quality. Games will stream at 1080p and 60fps, but the company says that “Going forward we’ll continue to innovate and add more features to enhance your cloud gaming experience.”
- Before now, if you fancied playing console games on your Mac, you'd need to use PlayStation 4's Remote Play to do so. Windows 10 users have been able to stream Xbox One titles to their PCs since.
- Belkin's AV360 Mini DisplayPort Converter lets you play Xbox 360 on iMac, costs as much as an Arcade. Xbox®, PS3®, or cable box, to a DisplayPort-compatible signal.
- To play Xbox console games from the cloud on your device you’ll need the following: i. An active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership in a supported region ii. A supported device including Windows 10 PCs, Apple or Android phones and tablets iii.
- Stream your Xbox One games to your Android, Mac, iOS and Apple TV devices so you can play anywhere, anytime. Download for Mac Download for Android Someone else using the TV? Stream your Xbox One games to your iPhone, iPad or Apple TV so you can play anywhere, anytime.
On Xbox, all saved games are always synced to the cloud, as is other user data like friends lists and achievements. So everything you do on a console will be there waiting for you in the cloud, and vice-versa.
The Xbox Cloud Gaming expansion comes along with an expansion of Xbox-ready game accessories for iPhones. The popular Razer Kishi controller, originally only for Android phones, now has an MFi-certified version for iPhones. The new Backbone One controller for iPhone features a dedicated button to launch the Xbox Cloud Gaming web app. For a limited time, Microsoft is offering three-month free trial to new Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members with the purchase of either controller.
When you have the large LCD screen that comes with the iMac, it's no surprise that you'd want to take advantage of it for such things as gaming or watching movies. If you want to connect your Xbox to your iMac to play your games on the large screen, it can be done. While it's a task that does require extra hardware, rest assured that if you follow instructions carefully, you can accomplish this task.
Step 1
Connect the mini display side of your mini-display-to-HDMI adapter to the back of your iMac.
Step 2
Connect the other side of the mini display cord to the corresponding port in your adapter box.
Step 3
Connect your HDMI cable from your Xbox HDMI port to the HDMI port of your adapter.
Step 4
Plug in the adapter box and turn on any power buttons, if applicable. Turn on the Xbox.
Step 5
Press 'Command-F2' to switch from the iMac display mode to the Xbox display mode. Your Xbox interface should now appear on your iMac screen.
References
Tips
- There are multiple mini-display-to-HDMI adapter boxes on the market; before you purchase one, check any available reviews to make sure it is compatible with the iMac, or use Apple's 'About Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapters' page to find out if the adapter you want to use will work with your iMac.
Writer Bio
Play Xbox One On Imac Screen
Nicole Vulcan has been a journalist since 1997, covering parenting and fitness for The Oregonian, careers for CareerAddict, and travel, gardening and fitness for Black Hills Woman and other publications. Vulcan holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and journalism from the University of Minnesota. She's also a lifelong athlete and is pursuing certification as a personal trainer.