Steam has a mobile app. There's a very real chance that's news to you even though it has been the case for a very long time. That's because, for at least seven years, the app has remained more or less the same. Valve is finally about to change that, launching a limited beta for an all-new Steam companion app on iOS and Android.
News of Steam's new mobile app was revealed via a new post on the platform's site. “Today we’re starting a limited beta of the updated Steam Mobile App. We’ve rebuilt the app on a new framework and modernized the design. (2015 called and wanted their app back),” it reads. There's only so much an app of this type can offer, of course, hence the lack of updates over the years, but Valve has outlined some of the new features users can take for a spin.
“Now the app comes with QR code sign-in, smarter notifications, an improved Library, and multi-account support.” Those new features have been added to the new look app but have not replaced what it could be used for already. Browsing Steam's library, confirming trades, and obtaining Steam Guard codes. The new app in its current form is far from the finished product though, and Valve wants plenty of feedback.
If you have used the Steam mobile app in the past, then you can register to be a part of the new version's beta. There appears to be an unlimited number of spots for Android users, but iOS beta testers are limited to 10,000 people in keeping with Apple's TestFlight guidelines. Even if you don't get a chance to try out the app, Valve still wants to hear from people with suggestions on what they would like to see from the new Steam app once it's finished and ready for a full rollout.
Early reports are mixed, with some praising the app and others claiming it runs even slower than the old version. A mobile app isn't the only thing Steam appears to be working on. Files in its backend point to users getting a Spotify-style wrap-up for their year in gaming at the end of 2022.