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It is possible that when browsing the Apple online store it may strike us that the apple brandsells Xbox One controller , even though they are rival companies, and it seems unlikely that Apple will want to support Microsoft in the console segment.
In fact, the Xbox controller is also sold in physical Apple Stores, and there's a good reason: it's for playing games on Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, being one of the most recommended alternatives, since Apple does not sell its own video game controller.
Despite initiatives such as the Apple Arcade subscription, the apple brand has always remained outside the world of gaming. As the iPhone became popular, more and more developers released quality games, difficult to control with a touch screen
Apple doesn't produce many accessories for its devices, but under the MFi (Made for iPhone) program it did allow third-party companies to launch controllers, while iOS and macOS improved their support for these controllers.
In 2019, with the release of iOS 13 and macOs Catalina, Apple took a more open stance, which benefits its users: Xbox One and PlayStation 4 controllers are now officially supported on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, MacBook, and iMac.
In this way, fans take advantage of the controls they already use, without having to buy a new one, obtaining a great gaming experience. Sony and Microsoft have been polishing their controllers for decades, and it would be very difficult for Apple (or other third-party manufacturers) to beat them in an area they don't know.
Apple sells several models in its stores, for example, the SteelSeries Nimbus or the Rotor Riot, and in different distributors (Amazon, eBay, Fnac, MediaMarkt…) we will find many other compatible controls.
Probably Apple offers the Xbox One controller on its own website because it is the best option to play on their devices The PS4 controller It's also very good, but Sony has a more closed policy, and it gives problems on some platforms like PC.
Compatible Devices and Games
First of all, only Xbox One controllers with Bluetooth are compatible with Apple, as their devices do not transmit the data to Apple cable (not even on Macs with USB ports).
The only controllers that don't have Bluetooth are those released with the first batch of consoles, and also the first generation Elite controller. As of the arrival of Xbox One S, Bluetooth comes by default.
The way to differentiate them visually is subtle: the first version integrated the Xbox button area into the same piece of plastic as the triggers, while the Bluetooth version has the Xbox button on the main body of the controller.
Apple requirements are simple, the Xbox controller works on any device running iOS 13, iPadOS 13, macOS Catalina, and tvOS 13.
We will only have to go to the settings to add the remote and for the operating system to recognize it. On the controller itself we will press the central Xbox button to turn it on, and then the upper link button for a few seconds to make it recognizable.
When it comes to games, each developer decides whether to support controller control. In simple titles like Candy Crush or Angry Birds it would make little sense, but in more complex ones it is usually supported.
For example, Fortnite on iPhone can be played with any controller, and also the popular Call of Duty Mobile accepts controllers, among many others other titles.
Should I buy the Xbox controller at the Apple Store?
Apple normally sells the Xbox controller at recommended official price of 59.95 euros, and it is a brand that is not given to offers. However, it can be found cheaper in many stores, and the product is identical.
In fact, the apple brand sells only the black model, but there are many other colors, designs and special editions, without forgetting the possibility of ordering a personalized remote to suit each person's taste.
Our advice is search Amazon if you want to save a few euros, or go to the Microsoft Store to choose from all the available options. The Microsoft Store usually has the same official price as Apple, although sometimes it does sales and promotions.
Finally, we must remember that from Android 9 Pie you can play with the Xbox controller, so Apple's decision is not so strange.
In the end, if Apple sells the Xbox controller it's because it benefits Apple and its customers. Although it is a fairly closed brand, sometimes collaboration is the best solution, and Microsoft has been open to working with rival platforms for years.
Do you think Apple sells the Xbox controller because it thinks it's the best option, or because it's the most widely supported controller?
