Late last month we were lucky enough to be included in a TestFlight beta of Valve’s upcoming Steam Link app, and I posted a hands-on preview which basically can be summed up as: “I simply cannot believe how good this works." Well, not long after Apple rejected the app, due to “business conflicts" which were not originally realized by the App Review team. We were unbelievably bummed out by this, as it seemed everyone who had previewed the app loved it, and quite a few members of our community were incredibly amped up for its release when the rejection news hit. Not long after, WWDC offered a surprising amount of clarity on Apple policies, and a glimmer of hope that Steam Link might actually make it on to the App Store. Of particular note is the new Apple guideline 4.2.7 section C, which reads: “The UI appearing on the client does not resemble an iOS or App Store view, does not provide a store-like interface, or include the ability to browse, select, or purchase software not already owned or licensed by the user."
Moments ago, Valve pushed out an updated version of the Steam Link app to TestFlight testers which aside from a few UI tweaks (like a network performance test when you first pair your PC which I’m fairly certain wasn’t in the original build) they also removed the ability to buy anything through the actual app itself. When you connect to your PC via the Steam Link app and browse the store, the button you used to be able to push to buy things has been changed to say “Available to purchase from your PC."
Interestingly enough, you can still totally interact with the Steam Marketplace using funds that you already have in your Steam wallet. I was able to buy a PUBG crate key without issue using my wallet balance, but it doesn’t seem like any of the buttons to actually add funds to my wallet work in the app. Technically, by the letter of the new Apple guidelines, the Steam Link app is fully in compliance as I bought a key for a crate and not software.
We’ve reached out to Valve for comment, but given the fact that it’s 1:36 AM on the Thursday of E3, it might be a while before we hear anything. If nothing else, it’s ultra encouraging seeing Valve play ball with Apple, and hopefully this means that the Steam Link app will see a swift approval. Since my preview I’ve been plugging away at replaying Fallout 4 exclusively using the Steam controller and my Apple TV. It’s such a great experience, and I really hope everyone else gets access to this soon. (Or, if you’re on Android, you can just download the Steam Link app right now.)
Wow, I can't wait for this app! Playing on Apple TV will be simply amazing. Anyone knows if there's a way of applying for TestFlight beta?
I think we won't have to wait too long anyway for it to be released on App Store.
Well the balls in Apples court now - the app complies with their rules so it will be interesting to see if they approve it or if they put up more barriers
So we can play stem games on our iPhone by streaming ?
If you have NVIDIA card you already can with Moonlight client.
Apple Computer continues to be run by douchebags.
They changed the name of the company 11 years ago.
Thank you for your email and being a customer of Apple products and the App Store.
We care deeply about bringing great games to all of our users on the App Store. We would love for Valve’s games and services to be on iOS and AppleTV.
Unfortunately, the review team found that Valve’s Steam iOS app, as currently submitted, violates a number of guidelines around user generated content, in-app purchases, content codes, etc. We’ve discussed these issues with Valve and will continue to work with them to help bring the Steam experience to iOS and AppleTV in a way that complies with the store’s guidelines.
We put great effort into creating an App Store that provides the very best experience for everyone. We have clear guidelines that all developers must follow in order to ensure the App Store is a safe place for all users and a fair opportunity for all developers.
Sincerely,
Phil
This guy.
Why does people still bother on buying apple's hardware is beyond me.
i also wonder why people still support Valve
Because they provide a good service?
For me at least, I love iPhone and will always buy iPhone cause the software works so great. Everything I need always runs smooth. Also android and other platforms might include new tech advancements but most of the time it has problems. When Apple includes the same tech, might take them longer but they perfect it every time. Don’t get me wrong, Apple products do have issues from time to time but I’ve been buying them for well over 15 years without any problems. Tried android in the past and had nothing but problems. For me, it was always a pretty laggy system and didn’t operate smooth at all. Which for work, just doesn’t work for me. I need that smooth operating speed. I’ve been using iPhone since the beginning, now I’m constantly amazed by my iPhone X. That beautiful display! HS! Over the years the AppStore has grown a lot, so many new apps and games to chose from! I love it and can’t get enough! Allthough Apples strict philosophy on all their products does irritate me sometimes. In my option, it is worth dealing with. I just love the entire Apple experience though, preordering the new iPhone, picking it up in store, adding some accessories and restoring from iCloud. It’s all so exciting for me! Not only does the product blow my mind, but the entire experience is just overwhelmingly captivating Lol
What android device did you have? Because it looks like you are talking about a potato with a screen.
If you like your Iphone because how pretty it is, ok, but don't make pathetic excuses such as "android is a laggy OS" or "android has problems", like, wha...?
I'm currently using an Huawei P8 lite (2017), this phone isn't nothing high tech, it's 150€~, and phones around this price have no problem whatsoever...
I think you should stop fooling yourself and give a good android device another chance.
I'd Rather Have a iOS worth the price, your promised updates for a couple years, devices are normally stable up till there discontinued time point.
OS is smoother not buggy, Apple doesn't load there Devices with bloat ware, My Android 6 phone has Facebook & Messenger built in plus others that can't be removed What a space waster to include such apps.
Speaking Of apps, they Run better on Apple devices, much better, the same app on iOS runs faster smoother & they don't have high demands.
Ark recently Launched while on iOS a iPod 6 can run it which has 1GB ram, I couldn't say the same for any Android of the same specs, Becuase there are WAY to many types of Androids!!
Apple users are Limited to like 7 types technically 3 iPod/iPad/iPhone if you go to Apple.com, You can pick a iPod/iPad/iPad pro/iPad Mini/iPhone or iPhone X not overly complicated & if you go there it's the most recent & there's not 2 million Different Apple Devices.
Most Apps with Decent Devs are built with love on iOS tailored well due to the limited devices & easy setup.
Apps are built trying to be compatible with the millions of different Androids so while one android may be able to run this another maybe of better specs can't.. etc..
it's a hassle..
I wouldn't waste money on a Android to be booted a year or less later becuase the next update don't support your model, even if it's high speced, if it's not Google your not promised squat. They should stop upgrading All Androids, then start over only making Google branded ones & only a few like Apple I don't ever see that happening, they dug there own hole.
Apple will always be better I can't wait till this app arrives if it does, if not well it's no big loss. Apple Has rules for a reason. Though this app looks to be interesting.
Running on a Apple Device should be wonderful.
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I think this is a fine change. Anyone with a iPhone or iPad can just buy their games directly from their website anyways. Apple is just inconveniencing the customer in exchange for a reputation hit, however minor it may be.
I thought there was an antitrust case in court to force Apple to allow 3rd party stores? Relveant link: https://www.engadget.com/20... . At its heart:
The lawsuit was originally submitted in 2012 in an effort to open iOS app purchases to third-party sites and stores, potentially lowering prices. A court initially ruled in favor of Apple, which argued that customers were buying apps from developers and that the 30 percent was just the cost of getting space in its digital store. An appeals court revived the case in January 2017, however, arguing that users are buying directly from Apple and that developers don't have their own stores.
Hey toucharcade, is the TestFlight beta still live or has it expired? I think it would be telling if Valve is continuing to support to beta cause they will most likely pull it if/when they give up on bringing it to iOS entirely. An update from you would be greatly appreciated :)