Xbox Series X controller getting Apple support in 'future update'

Xbox Series X Controller
Xbox Series X Controller (Image credit: Microsoft)

Xbox Series X Controller

Xbox Series X Controller (Image credit: Jez Corden/Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Apple has confirmed it is working with Microsoft to bring support for the Xbox Series X controller to customers.

Apple has confirmed that it is working on an update with Microsoft to bring support for the Xbox Series X controller to customers soon.

As reported by MacRumors, a Reddit user spotted the small print on Apple's support page for Wireless controllers which states:

Microsoft and Apple are working together to bring compatibility for the Xbox Series X controller to customers in a future update.

Customers can use a bunch of controllers from Microsoft, along with PlayStation's DualShock 4 Wireless Controller and other MFi devices with Apple devices like the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Apple TV, or Mac. Support games include Apple Arcade titles and App Store games.

The Xbox One Wireless Controller is one of the best Apple TV gaming controllers around, and the Xbox Series X version delivers some cool improvements.

From Jez Corden and our good friends at Windows Central, changes include:

  • Slightly smaller form factor
  • A new share button
  • More tactile and ergonomic share buttons
  • New d-pad
  • Textured triggers
  • USB-C charging

Apple's support page doesn't confirm when this compatibility might roll out, simply stating the change is coming "in a future update." There is no indication as to whethere Apple is working on similar compatibility for the PS5 controller, but it does currently support the PS4 version, so this seems a natural move going forward.

Stephen Warwick
News Editor

Stephen Warwick has written about Apple for five years at iMore and previously elsewhere. He covers all of iMore's latest breaking news regarding all of Apple's products and services, both hardware and software. Stephen has interviewed industry experts in a range of fields including finance, litigation, security, and more. He also specializes in curating and reviewing audio hardware and has experience beyond journalism in sound engineering, production, and design. Before becoming a writer Stephen studied Ancient History at University and also worked at Apple for more than two years. Stephen is also a host on the iMore show, a weekly podcast recorded live that discusses the latest in breaking Apple news, as well as featuring fun trivia about all things Apple. Follow him on Twitter @stephenwarwick9