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iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia Introduce Support for Wired Xbox Controllers

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Apple's latest operating system updates iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15 Sequoia bring a notable enhancement for gamers: official support for wired Xbox controllers.

apple-game-controller-graphic.jpg.png

Previously, Apple devices supported wireless Xbox and PlayStation controllers via Bluetooth, but when it came to wired connections, only PlayStation controllers were compatible. This update marks a step forward in broadening gaming accessory support across Apple’s ecosystem.

As noted by Apple engineer (and one of the key contributors to the original Xbox) Nat Brown back in June, Xbox uses a custom USB protocol for its wired controllers, and with its latest operating system updates, Apple now directly supports the protocol to allow for native wired Xbox controller connections.

Connecting to Apple Devices with Lightning Ports

If you're using an iOS device with a Lightning port—such as older iPhones or iPads—you'll need a Lightning to USB Camera Adapter to connect your wired Xbox controller. This requirement mirrors the setup process for wired PlayStation controllers on these devices. The adapter facilitates the necessary USB connection, ensuring your controller communicates effectively with your device.

Connecting to Apple Devices with USB-C Ports

Simply plug the controller in using a USB-C to USB-C cable to establish the wired connection.
xbox-controller-wired-mac-1.jpg

What to Expect When Connecting

Upon connecting your wired Xbox controller:

  • On iOS 18 and iPadOS 18: The wired Xbox controller does not appear in the Bluetooth settings since it's connected via USB, not Bluetooth.
  • On macOS 15 Sequoia: Upon initial connection, macOS presents an accessory permissions dialog asking the user: "Do you want to connect Microsoft Controller to this Mac?" The controller appears as "Controller" in the Game Controller settings pane, displaying the Xbox logo next to it. However, the "Identify" feature doesn't function with the wired Xbox controller—the controller doesn't vibrate when prompted.
Despite the minor hiccup with the "Identify" feature on macOS, the controller functions as expected within games and applications that support game controllers.

xbox-controller-wired-mac-2.jpg

Support for wired Xbox controllers on Apple's platforms is a welcome addition for gamers who prefer the reliability and low-latency of a wired connection or own wired-only Xbox controllers. By accommodating a wider range of controllers, Apple's move aligns with the growing trend of cross-platform gaming and the increasing popularity of game streaming services, where controller support is critical for an optimal experience.

Article Link: iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia Introduce Support for Wired Xbox Controllers
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/10/07/ios-18-wired-xbox-controllers/
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This is great, no longer have to switch out batteries. Unfortunate NatBro left the GPTK team. Hoping it continues to move forward without him. Bought into the new Macs with the gaming future looking bright via translation. I play many games via crossover when I don't feel like firing up the gaming pc.
 
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M3Stang said:
This is great, no longer have to switch out batteries. Unfortunate NatBro left the GPTK team. Hoping it continues to move forward without him. Bought into the new Macs with the gaming future looking bright via translation. I play many games via crossover when I don't feel like firing up the gaming pc.
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What games do you typically play on your Mac?
 
Isengardtom said:
What games do you typically play on your Mac?
Click to expand...
Lately Satisfactory 1.0 and Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. I have a lot of hours in NBA2K24 (the real steam version not the Apple Arcade shell of the real game), have played a bit of SpiderMan remastered, played through all the Halo campaigns in Halo MCC, Pacific Drive, CP2077, Kingdom Hearts 1, 2, and 3, and others I can't remember. Literally all the games I play on my Mac are Windows games, that for the most part, without GPTK wouldn't be playable. Really hope it continues to grow. For reference, I have a 16" M3 Pro 18/512. Was planning on an M4 Max for even better brute forcing these windows games, but with NatBro gone I am skeptical if much more is going to happen in the GPTK space, so will probably hold onto this one for another year and see if GPTK3 becomes a thing next year/something huge happens with Mac gaming like proton or something. In his discord post about his departure from the team, he described the (GPTK team? Gaming Team? Idk) team's efforts as something like "pushing a rock up a hill" and he was done with that for now. Doesn't sound promising. Go to the 5:59 timestamp in this Andrew Tsai video for details for anyone interested.

 
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M3Stang said:
This is great, no longer have to switch out batteries. Unfortunate NatBro left the GPTK team. Hoping it continues to move forward without him. Bought into the new Macs with the gaming future looking bright via translation. I play many games via crossover when I don't feel like firing up the gaming pc.
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How is gaming with Crossover? I bought a lifetime sub to it. Mainly because I was going to get a Mac at the time but never did and I was happy to support Codeweavers regardless.
 
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NickTuesday said:
How is gaming with Crossover? I bought a lifetime sub to it. Mainly because I was going to get a Mac at the time but never did and I was happy to support Codeweavers regardless.
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If you look past short coming with anti-cheat, which isn't really their fault anyway, it's pretty awesome and works with a lot of games. This was made even better once GPTK came out, and even better now with GPTK2 allowing AVX games to run.
 
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M3Stang said:
If you look past short coming with anti-cheat, which isn't really their fault anyway, it's pretty awesome and works with a lot of games. This was made even better once GPTK came out, and even better now with GPTK2 allowing AVX games to run.
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Proton has the same anti-cheat problems. Thanks for your response, it seems Crossover is making good progress.
 
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yes. PC and Mac gaming is alive and well.

Limited PS5 games.
And X Box Counsel is dying.
 
Piggybacking on this article to ask if Apple is late in mentioning this on its own page on videogame controllers, since I don't see USB (-C) mentioned at all.

On a side-note, what's the status of Nintendo Switch controllers (via Bluetooth or otherwise) on Apple devices? I see they work via Bluetooth but I don't see it mentioned officially on Apple's website, unlike Xbox and PlayStation controllers being highlighted.
 
jent said:
Piggybacking on this article to ask if Apple is late in mentioning this on its own page on videogame controllers, since I don't see USB (-C) mentioned at all.

On a side-note, what's the status of Nintendo Switch controllers (via Bluetooth or otherwise) on Apple devices? I see they work via Bluetooth but I don't see it mentioned officially on Apple's website, unlike Xbox and PlayStation controllers being highlighted.
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I've used a number of 3rd party Switch controllers, even one that is a Gamecube controller. They all work fine with Apple Tv. There is even button mapping available. Of course I am limited to Bluetooth when I would rather be wired because the Apple Tv has no usb/usb-c ports. I plug into a hub to compensate while using Bluetooth on the Apple tv.
 
JensenKA said:
An iPhone.
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From Apple:

Connect a game controller through the Lightning or USB-C connector​

If you have a compatible game controller, you can connect it to iPhone using the Lightning or USB-C connector. Depending on your iPhone model and controller, you may need an adapter (sold separately). Follow the instructions that came with your controller.

You might also want to look into a dock/cradle that you slip your Phone into and it will give you the controls on the side like a normal controller. That might be the better bet.

th
 
Curious if this also extends to the Xbox Adaptive Controller - would be very useful if so.
 
kevinsano said:
I plugged in my 360 controller and it worked fine
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Can confirm that the 360 controller went to player 2 and does respond to Identify, but the original Xbox One controller doesn't. The Xbox One S controller does, though. Although the Xbox One S doesn't vibrate when the Identify button is pressed.
 
Madd the Sane said:
Can confirm that the 360 controller went to player 2 and does respond to Identify, but the original Xbox One controller doesn't. The Xbox One S controller does, though. Although the Xbox One S doesn't vibrate when the Identify button is pressed.
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Are others also unable to use original Xbox One controllers?

I don't actually have an Xbox, but I have a 3rd party wired Xbox One controller ("original" equivalent) sitting in a drawer, and it does absolutely nothing when I plug it into a Sequoia Mac or iOS 18 iPhone. Not sure if this is because the thing is straight-up broken, if there's something about it being 3rd party that Apple's drivers don't like, or if all similar Xbox One controllers don't work.

If it's dead, I might as well chuck it, but figure if it might still work I'll hang on to it.
 
I want to play 2-player games on a TV but there are just not enough such games on Apple Arcade. Would it be better via a Macbook Pro? I have two Xbox controllers.
 
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