UPDATE 5/28: A Reddit user posted an email he said comes from Phil Schiller, Apple's SVP of worldwide marketing, in which Schiller explains why Apple rejected the app.

"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," Schiller reportedly wrote. "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."

Original Story:

One of the major frustrations for developers trying to launch an app on Apple's App Store is having that app rejected without a clear reason as to why. And it's not just small developers; Valve just got the same treatment for its Steam Link app.

Valve announced earlier this month that it was preparing to launch a free Steam Link app for Android and iOS. The app allows you to stream your library of Steam games to mobile devices, where they can be played either with the touch screen or a Bluetooth controller.

A beta version of Steam Link launched on Android earlier this week, and iOS was expected soon, but now it's not happening. After initially approving the app on May 7, Apple changed its mind two days later and rejected it, citing "business conflicts." Valve appealed the rejection, explaining it's just a LAN-based remote desktop app and similar to other apps already available in the App Store. Apple also denied the appeal.

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What business conflict could possibly block an app that streams PC games? Nobody outside of Apple knows for sure, but we can guess. The most obvious reason is the fact Apple views Steam as a threat to its business model.

Apple is fully focused on selling apps, but allowing Steam Link on to the store means enabling a free app to be used to access thousands of games on a different platform. Apple has no control over that platform and doesn't make any money from it, so there's no reason to support its use on Apple hardware.

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