Latest Apple software update brings support for wired Xbox Controllers

Apple has added support for wired Xbox Controllers to its devices with the release of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. This means owners of a wired Xbox Controller can now use their controller to play games by simply plugging it into their iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Apple usually adds native support for game console controllers to its devices. While it sometimes takes a while before that happens as is the case with the Xbox Elite 2 Controller which took a year, support eventually does arrive. However, while there has been support for Xbox Wireless Controllers as well as wired and wireless PlayStation controllers, support for wired Xbox Controllers has just been added.

Apparently, the reason this is a big deal is because Xbox uses a custom USB protocol for its controllers called GIP whereas other controllers use the USB-HID standard. This means Apple would have had to work with Microsoft/Xbox to add support for the protocol so its wired controllers can now work seamlessly.

The process of connecting a wired Xbox Controller should be straightforward. Simply plug it into the device using a USB-C to USB-C cable if your device has a USB-C port. For devices such as the iPhone 14 and older which have a Lightning port, you will need a Lightning to USB-C adapter to connect the USB-C cable of the controller.

While the wires of wired controllers may get in the way of gaming, the advantage they bring is lower latency compared to wireless controllers. If you already own an Xbox Wireless Controller, simply plug a cable into it. You can also choose to buy a wired Xbox Controller like the GameSir T7 wired gaming controller (curr. available on Amazon for $27.99).