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.
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.
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.
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.
While the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are not expected to launch until September, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices.
Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models as of April 2025:
Aluminum frame: iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to have an aluminum frame, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro models have a titanium frame, and the iPhone ...
Apple may have updated several iPads and Macs late last year and early this year, but there are still multiple new devices that we're looking forward to seeing in 2025. Most will come in September or October, but there could be a few surprises before then.
We've rounded up a list of everything that we're still waiting to see from Apple in 2025.
iPhone 17, 17 Air, and 17 Pro - We get...
Tuesday April 15, 2025 6:31 am PDT by Tim Hardwick
Apple is preparing a "bold" new iPhone Pro model for the iPhone's 20th anniversary in 2027, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. As part of what's being described as a "major shake-up," Apple is said to be developing a design that makes more extensive use of glass – and this could point directly to the display itself.
Here's the case for Apple releasing a truly all-screen iPhone with no...
The first iOS 19 beta is less than two months away, and there are already a handful of new features that are expected with the update.
Apple should release the first iOS 19 beta to developers immediately following the WWDC 2025 keynote, which is scheduled for Monday, June 9. Following beta testing, the update should be released to the general public in September.
Below, we recap the key...
Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone (or "iPhone Fold") will feature two screens as part of its book-style design, and a Chinese leaker claims to know the resolutions for both of them.
According to the Weibo-based account Digital Chat Station, the inner display, which is approximately 7.76 inches, will use a 2,713 x 1,920 resolution and feature "under-screen camera technology." Meanwhile, the...
A common complaint about the iPad Pro is that the iPadOS software platform fails to fully take advantage of the device's powerful hardware.
That could soon change.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman today said that iPadOS 19 will be "more like macOS."
Gurman said that iPadOS 19 will be "more like a Mac" in three ways:Improved productivity
Improved multitasking
Improved app window management...
Apple is working on a new version of the Vision Pro with two key advantages over the current model, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Specifically, in his Power On newsletter today, Gurman said Apple is developing a new headset that is both lighter and less expensive than the current Vision Pro, which starts at $3,499 in the U.S. and weighs up to 1.5 pounds.
Gurman said Apple is also...
Apple has confirmed that it will be permanently closing its retail store in the heart of Bristol, England, and there is no replacement in sight.
Apple Bristol in 2023
Apple Bristol will be closing its doors on Saturday, August 9, due to redevelopment plans at the Cabot Circus Shopping Centre, and the adjacent Bristol Shopping Quarter. According to news reports, and a building application, the ...
Thursday April 10, 2025 4:19 am PDT by Tim Hardwick
Apple in October 2024 overhauled its 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, adding M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips, Thunderbolt 5 ports on higher-end models, display changes, and more. That's quite a lot of updates in one go, but if you think this means a further major refresh for the MacBook Pro is now several years away, think again.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has said he expects only a small...
This is huge for me as I play GeForce Now using an Xbox elite controller. It’s paired to my Xbox and my MacBook, so can now use with iPad via cable too.
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.
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.
amazing news. Surprised this wasn't reported sooner! 10 years back I used to use a workaround solution (https://github.com/360Controller/360Controller#xbox-controller-driver-for-macos) to get my wired Xbox 360 controller working on my 2011 27" iMac and used subsequent updates but it became less reliable with each macOS update and eventually stopped working altogether. Happy to see it officially supported. Just tested it with Steam :)
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.
Proton has the same anti-cheat problems. Thanks for your response, it seems Crossover is making good progress.
