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 this affects as Valve just got the same treatment for its Steam Link app.
Valve announced earlier this month that is 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 touchscreen or a Bluetooth controller.
A beta version of Steam Link launched on Android earlier this week, but the iOS version isn't happening. After initially approving the app on Monday, 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.
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.
Valvie is hoping Apple will reconsider in future, but it seems likely this is the end of the matter and Apple won't change its mind.