Microsoft is reportedly blaming Apple for the delay in launching its Xbox mobile store. This information comes from The Verge, which reported that Microsoft, the company behind Windows and Xbox, filed a legal brief supporting Epic Games in its ongoing lawsuit against Apple.

Though a recent court ruling has made it possible for both the Epic Games Store and the Xbox mobile store to operate on iOS, Microsoft is concerned about Apple’s potential appeal of the decision. As a result, the company has submitted a detailed legal argument in support of the court’s current ruling. Here’s an excerpt from the filing:

The court’s injunction permits Apple to retain its in-app purchase exclusivity but should have allowed Microsoft to offer an alternative solution by launching its own online store. This store would provide users with the ability to purchase in-app items outside of Apple’s ecosystem and use them in games or applications. However, Apple has continued to block this initiative. Prior to the court’s latest order, Microsoft was unable to implement linked-out payments or even inform customers about alternative purchase options due to Apple’s restrictive anti-steering policies, which have increased the economic burden on Microsoft.

Similarly, Microsoft has long aimed to enable iOS users of the Xbox app to both purchase and stream games from the cloud or other devices. Apple’s policies have hindered Microsoft’s ability to offer these features together. The injunction has provided Microsoft with an opportunity to explore these possibilities, but Apple’s policies could still be reinstated if the company succeeds in its appeal.

The Xbox mobile store was initially scheduled to launch in July 2024. In late November, Xbox President Sarah Bond had pointed to Google as a potential obstacle to launching the store on Android devices.