Apple promises Xbox Series X controller support on iPhone in a future update

Microsoft's Xbox controllers have generally been easy to use on non-Xbox devices over the years, and Apple confirmed the same will be true with the new Xbox Series X gamepad in the future.

The folks over at 9to5Mac spotted a small text blurb on Apple's support website with good news for iOS gamers: The controller included with the Xbox Series X will work with iPhones and iPads after an upcoming software update. Unfortunately, there's not much information beyond that; Apple didn't give a timeframe for when to expect the update, but it did say it was working with Microsoft directly to make it happen.

It'll join the default Xbox One controller, the Xbox Elite controller, and the Xbox Adaptive Controller as the latest Microsoft gaming device to work wirelessly with Apple's phones and tablets. The new Xbox Series X/S controller isn't markedly different from the Xbox One controller. It's slightly smaller and features a different texture on the grips and triggers to make the controller easier to hold. There's also now a dedicated share button for grabbing screenshots and other media.

Sony's DualShock 4 controller, which has put in seven years of good service on the PlayStation 4, is also supported, but Apple's website says nothing about adding compatibility for the new DualSense. That new PS5 controller is also a significant departure, with a form factor that more closely resembles that of an Xbox controller as well as built-in haptics features that no other controller currently offers.

For now, you'll just have to use the DualSense on the PlayStation 5 or on Steam. That said, the latest iOS beta build suggests you won't have to wait long for the DualSense to work on iPhones.

Of course, it's up to individual games to seamlessly support these controllers where it makes sense. But for the ones that do, it's nice to know that we shouldn't have to wait a long time for compatibility. With cold weather coming and the COVID-19 pandemic still keeping us indoors, at least we can still game to keep us occupied.