Apple is expanding controller support across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV with upcoming updates, which will bring support for the latest Sony and Microsoft controllers.

According to Apple's release notes accompanying the aforementioned software updates, beta testers and developers can now pair their PlayStation 5 DualSense controller from Sony, along with Microsoft's new controller for its Xbox Series X console.

Apple has just begun testing the upcoming update with its registered developers so the public release is still a few weeks away. With that in mind, when iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5 release publicly around the spring, gamers will be able to enjoy expanded controller support and play supported games with their PS5 and Xbox Series X controllers.

These new choices expand Apple's existing controller support.

Supported Controllers on Apple Platforms

For years, you could use special game controllers that bear Apple's MFi ("Made for iOS") certification. But MFi controllers have limited functionality and only work on Apple platforms.

In 2019, Apple's iOS 13, iPadOS 13, tvOS 13, and macOS Catalina software updates brought out support for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox Wireless controllers across the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV, and Mac. Those updates marked the first time any Apple platform has supported proprietary gaming controllers from Sony and Microsoft.

Related: How to Use Game Controllers on iPhone and iPad

Then came iOS 14, bringing richer customization of controller buttons via the Settings app. A support document on Apple's website lists the current controller support:

  • Xbox Wireless Controller with Bluetooth (model 1708)
  • Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
  • Xbox Adaptive Controller
  • PlayStation DualShock 4 Wireless Controller
  • MFi (Made for iOS) Bluetooth controllers

iOS 14.5 could also support the Luna, an Amazon controller designed for its own gaming service, although Apple makes no mention of it. On a related note, there's this rumor calling for a new accessory: an Apple-branded game controller.

And now with iOS 14.5 and other upcoming updates, fans of video games who happen to own the latest shiny from Sony or Microsoft will be able to play any supported iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV games with the same controller that arrived with their console.