Apple is now selling Microsoft's Xbox Wireless Controller

Few people ever thought they’d live to see the day when Apple actively sold Microsoft products, but that day has come; Apple is now selling Microsoft’s Xbox Wireless Controller through its online store. (Xbox Controller on sale now at Amazon)

This shouldn’t be that surprising to those following Apple’s software development cycle. All of Apple’s new OS updates (iOS 13, iPadOS, tvOS 13, and macOS Catalina) introduced native support for both the Xbox Wireless Controller and Sony’s DualShock 4 controller.

The support comes as Apple has started leaning heavily into the gaming market, particularly with Apple Arcade, a US$5/month game subscription service. Apple Arcade has, so far, met with reasonable success. In a poll run by 9to5Mac, about 54.72% of the total 5,888 respondents are planning to subscribe to Apple Arcade. Apple recently added a few new titles to its subscription gaming service and has plans to add many, many more.

Noticeably absent from Apple’s storefront is Sony’s DualShock 4 controller (on sale now at Amazon), suggesting Microsoft may have paid something for the privilege of using Apple’s sales channels. However, for those that don’t want to shell out the US $60 for an Xbox Wireless Controller, Apple offers a few other wireless and wired controllers for iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV gaming. Also, keep in mind that only certain titles support controllers; some will still require players to use touch controls.