A long-overdue update improves Xbox Remote Play on macOS.
Microsoft’s “This is an Xbox” campaign launched with much fanfare last year, but for Mac users trying to use Xbox Remote Play, the slogan rang a little hollow.
With no official Xbox app, frustrated Apple Mac users had to use third-party solutions like XBPlay and OneCast to stream games from their console to their Mac. On iOS devices, the situation was somewhat better. Remote Play was built right into the official Xbox mobile app, and it worked reasonably well.
However, that all changed following a recent shift in Microsoft’s approach. In April, the company removed the Remote Play functionality from the Xbox mobile app on both iOS and Android devices.
Now, users across all desktop and mobile devices are directed to install a web app for Xbox Remote Play and Cloud Gaming. While it takes a smidgen more effort to set up, it’s a good move, and it comes with some genuine perks.
First of all, you can now access the complete Xbox console experience through Remote Play, including browsing the game store and playing Xbox 360 titles—features that were previously limited in the mobile app.
The stream quality has also improved noticeably.
Forza Horizon 4 is always my go-to test case. In the past, regardless of which Remote Play option I tried, the stream would often stutter, show artifacts, or freeze when I was speeding through the drizzly British countryside. However, the new method provides a much more stable feed, resulting in fewer interruptions and sharper image quality.
But best of all, Mac users can now use access Xbox Remote Play by installing the web app through Safari, Chrome, or any modern browser. Just visit www.xbox.com/play, log in, connect a controller, and start streaming with no workarounds or downloads required.
The new approach works, and it works well. And while it might not be a complete embrace of the Apple ecosystem, these updates ensure that Mac users are no longer excluded from official Remote Play options.
My Xbox Remote Play Setup
- Console: Xbox Series X
- Computer: MacBook Pro with Intel Processer
- Phone: iPhone 14
- Connection: Wireless
- Internet: 499.8 Mbps download, 40.8Mbps upload, 7 ms latency
So, what does this mean for apps like XBPlay and OneCast? Well, these apps deserve credit for stepping in to support Mac users when Microsoft didn’t. Fortunately, they still work well—and in many respects, they continue to outperform the official solution.
I have been using XBPlay for several years, and it comes packed with a range of genuinely useful features. It includes a clarity boost option for sharper visuals, mouse and keyboard support, and the ability to save game shortcuts. You can also fine-tune performance settings like resolution, bitrate, and codec to suit your preferences. It’s a remarkable solution, and as much as I appreciate Microsoft’s improvements, I think XBPlay still has a place for users who prefer a granular level of control over their Remote Play experience.
Microsoft is unlikely to provide that level of support through their official solution, but the recent update indicates that they are paying some attention to Apple users in the effort to make everything an Xbox. If you previously abandoned Remote Play for Mac, it’s worth giving it another try.
