Apple Includes PS5 and Xbox Series X Controller Support in iOS 14.5 Update

Credit: IGN

Gamers will have one good reason to look forward to when Apple releases the iOS 14.5 update for iPhones.

Apple’s iOS 14.5 update will include support for the PS5’s DualSense and Xbox Series X’s controller, The Verge reported. It has also been released to beta testers on 2 February 2021.

It’s worth recalling that Apple and Microsoft announced in November 2020 that they were collaborating to have iOS devices support Xbox Series X and S controllers, while Apple announced it will add support for Sony’s DualSense wireless controller at a later date. 

A Reddit user with the username u/RedTib posted in Reddit’s r/iOSBeta subreddit that both the Xbox Series X and PS5’s DualSense controllers have the same functionality. He also mentioned that while he didn’t test any iOS games while the controllers were connected to his 2018 iPad Pro, he did test the remote streaming for both the PS5 and the Xbox Series X.

Games that require pinpoint accuracy like Genshin Impact will benefit from iOS 14.5’s support for gaming console computers Credit: technoeager.com

r/iOSBeta is described as a “home for iOS betas” in its homepage, with iOS beta testers sharing their thoughts during an iOS beta test.

RedTib noted that he can use the DualSense on the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series X’s controller on the PS5 while remote streaming. He also observed that there is no vibration support and the home buttons for both controllers work as intended.

The PS5’s Dualsense Controller, however, lost its adaptive trigger support during the test. 

An Apple support page lists the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, Adaptive Controller, Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth and PlayStation DualShock 4 Wireless controllers as some of the wireless game controllers supported, with other Made for iOS Bluetooth Controllers also receiving a mention as possibly being supported.

The upcoming iOS 14.5 update also includes the ability to unlock an iPhone with an Apple Watch while wearing a mask, Siri emergency contact calling, CarPlay ETA sharing as well as dual-SIM 5G support. Apple has yet to announce when the iOS 14.5 update will be available for download. 

For more information on how to connect your gaming console’s controller to your iOS devices, check out Apple’s support page here.

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Written by John Paul Joaquin