Yesterday, Apple released the first beta version of iOS 14.5 introducing several new features, including support for PS5 and Xbox Series S/X controllers.
Apple has supported a number of proprietary game controllers on iOS for a while. These are game controllers manufactured as part of the Made-for-iPhone program. With iOS 13, Apple had introduced the ability to connect our iPhone and iPad to PlayStation 4 and Xbox controllers and, now, with the arrival of next-gen consoles, the company is implementing support for the new controllers.
How to pair a PS5 controller with iPhone and iPad:
- To connect a PS5 controller, let’s first make sure that our iPhone or iPad is updated to iOS 14.5;
- We open Settings on our device and click on Bluetooth;
- On the controller, we press and hold the middle PS button and the share button on the top left at the same time until the controller flashes;
- Press and hold the buttons for five seconds until the LED status indicator starts flashing;
- When the controller will show up in the list of Bluetooth devices, let’s select it to pair it;
- Now we can open a game and start playing with our controller.
How to pair an Xbox Series S/X controller with iPhone and iPad:
- To connect an Xbox Series S/X controller, let’s first make sure that our iPhone or iPad is updated to iOS 14.5;
- We open Settings on our device and click on Bluetooth;
- We wake up the Xbox controller by pressing the middle button. Next, we press and hold the wireless pairing button on the controller;
- Press and hold the pairing button for five seconds until the Xbox logo starts flashing;
- When the controller will show up in the Bluetooth menu on the iOS device, let’s select it to connect;
- Now we can open a compatible game and start playing with our controller.
After pairing the controllers with our iPhone or iPad, we can use it like any other MFi-certified controller in a variety of games. All games in Apple Arcade support controllers, as well as many other major titles on the App Store.