A forthcoming iOS update for Apple’s iPad and iPhone devices will be adding support for controllers of both next-gen consoles – the Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. Support for both Microsoft and Sony’s newest console gaming controllers on other platforms has slowly been growing since the companies released their new consoles back in November.
A few weeks ago, Valve extended support for the Xbox Series X|S controller on steam, adding compatibility for the new Share button on the gamepad and permitting more controllers to be connected simultaneously.
Using controllers with either the iPad or iPhone makes playing particular games such as action games or racing much easier and it’s become quite common on mobile devices in general. It was recently speculated that Apple is also working on launching its own gamepad but no official reveals have been made since it was reported mid last year.
Launching an Apple controller could mean easier or faster compatibility for games played on Apple devices but since only gossips have come out so far, adding support for third-party controllers is the next big thing.
Apple just launched its new iOS and iPadOS 14.5 patches to beta testers and one of the new features it has are support for both Xbox Series X|S controllers and the PlayStation 5 DualSense controllers. The additional support will mean that games on both iPad and iPhone that allow access to the gamepad, from the company’s own Apple Arcade library or other iOS games, will be compatible with either console controller. It’s not yet certain which features of both controllers will be supported with the new update, such as the DualSense’s adaptive triggers.
Introducing support for the Xbox Series X|S controllers could also mean that owners of Microsoft’s newest console will be able to play its games through their iPad or iPhone using the new controller instead of having to use an older Xbox One controller.
When the 14.5 patches for iPadOS and iOS is officially launched, those with an iPad or iPhone, an Xbox Series X|S, and an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership could use the new console’s controller to play games through Remote Play.
Apple introducing support for both Xbox Series X|S controller and PlayStation 5 DualSense controller on the iPhone and iPad is pretty much anticipated and it’s great to see that it’s coming sooner rather than later. Hopefully, support for both controllers will go beyond simple functionality and allow the unique features of the controllers to be utilized to their fullest.
