Valve has explained why the new Steam Link app has yet to appear on the Apple App Store. It turns out that the app has been rejected by Apple; supposedly on grounds of being a “business conflict”.
The Steamlink app was meant to allow gamers to stream games to their phones from their PCs. Essentially allowing PC games on a mobile platform. The app itself was released for Android earlier this week, but no mention was made of the iOS version.
A press statement was later issued by Valve, explaining the issue surrounding the missing Steam Link app.
Valve press statement on the Steam Link app for iOS being rejected by Apple. pic.twitter.com/dIAW22izfz
— Steam Database (@SteamDB) May 24, 2018
What Apple means by ‘business conflict’ is entirely uncertain at this point. It’s likely that Cupertino simply doesn’t want an app that links to another online store, since the App Store is such a large source of income. Although, Steam isn’t exactly something that would directly compete with iOS developers.
Valve says that it has appealed the decision, but Apple has stood firm on the rejection. Essentially meaning that there is no chance of seeing Steam Link on an Apple device. Not unless something changes in the iOS developer policy.
While this might not be a massive loss for Valve, it does go to show how difficult it is to get apps approved for the App Store.
