Apple has announced that it will now permit cloud-based game streaming apps on the iOS App Store worldwide. This policy change will allow services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and NVIDIA GeForce Now to release standalone iPhone and iPad apps. Previously, these services were restricted to web apps.

According to Apple’s updated App Store guidelines, developers can now submit a single app containing their full catalog of streamable games. The apps will need to follow standard age rating and App Store review policies.

The move marks an about-face for Apple after facing pressure from developers and critics arguing its previous stance was anti-competitive. Cloud gaming apps offer iPhone and iPad users access to AAA games requiring powerful hardware by streaming the visuals from remote servers.

While Apple did not explain the reason for the sudden policy shift, it likely aims to preempt regulatory pressure building on issues like cloud gaming. Opening up to streaming games may improve Apple’s perception at a time when it faces antitrust scrutiny over claims of stifling competition on its App Store platform.

The impact remains to be seen, but the world’s billion-plus iPhone and iPad users now have new gaming options on the horizon. Microsoft, NVIDIA, and others are expected to take advantage of the relaxed rules to launch or improve iOS versions of their subscription game services.