Crabby Apple Blocks Steam Link iOS App Launch Leaving Valve Perplexed

It looks like Android fans have another thing they can hold over the heads of their iOS-using pals. The Steam Link app launched in beta form on Android earlier this month. The app had originally been approved by Apple to launch on iOS, but this week the planned launch was quashed by Apple when it reversed its decision and blocked the app's launch. Apple listed the reason for blocking the app as "business conflicts with app guidelines."

There is no clarification on exactly what business guidelines Steam Link app ran afoul of. Speculation suggests that the issue was that the Steam Link app allows Apple device users to access another store, in this cases Steam, where they can buy games and play them on their mobile device without Apple collecting its 30% fee. Apple didn’t offer any official comment on the blocking of the app.

Valve, however, did make a public proclamation stating. "On Monday, May 7th, Apple approved the Steam Link app for release," the statement reads. "On Wednesday, May 9th, Valve released news of the app. The following morning, Apple revoked its approval citing business conflicts with app guidelines that had allegedly not been realized by the original review team. Valve appealed, explaining the Steam Link app simply functions as a LAN-based remote desktop similar to numerous desktop applications already available on the App Store. Ultimately, the appeal was denied, leaving the Steam Link app for iOS blocked from release."

Valve is completely at Apple's mercy and has stated that "we hope Apple will reconsider in the future." What this means for iOS users is that you won't be streaming your favorite video games from your PC to your phone anytime soon. Android gamers, on the other hand, can sip on the salty tears of their iOS counterparts.