Hello SteamGifts Community!

A few years ago I wanted to learn iOS development and was inspired by the (former) SG for Steamgifts Android app so I decided to port it over, creating SteamGifts-iOS. However, after struggling to get the app through Apple's app review process I decided to set the project aside for a while.

That was until I saw the announcement of AltStore! Seeing the opportunity I jumped back into the project and rebuilt the inner workings from the ground up with what I had learned since setting the project aside. So since then, I've been working hard to make the app faster and more stable. I’ve been using it for a couple of months now and I can say it’s in much better shape now than it was 3 years ago. There might be a few bugs lurking that I haven’t found yet but I’m keeping an eye out. And that brings me to today…

Now available

I'm happy to announce that SteamGifts-iOS is now readily available! However, as you may have guessed by now there is one caveat: it must be installed via AltStore or other methods of side-loading. Although, that may soon change. I know it's inconvenient but I figured providing the option is better than keeping it from everyone.

If you have AltStore installed on your iPhone, all you have to do is click the “Install now” button from the website and it will add it to AltStore for you. If you happen to be a Patron supporter of AltStore — or are savvy enough to find the beta version of AltStore — you also have the option to add SteamGifts-iOS as a source to get automatic updates.

Users who prefer not to use AltStore in favor of other side-loading options can find the the .ipa on the Github page.

FAQs:

1. Will there be iPad support?
   • I do not intend to support iPad as the app is intended to provide a more usable experience on smaller screens. I feel that if you are on an iPad then you should be using the website.
2. Will there be Mac support?
   • The answer is the same as for iPad support; cg has worked hard on this site and deserves the ad revenue. I do not wish to take that traffic away from the site.
3. Can I request features?
   • Yes, however, there are some features and improvements currently at the top of my list but I look forward to community requests.
   • If you have any feedback on how you think things can be improved, feel free to share your thoughts so there can be a discussion!
4. Will you add push notifications?
   • I do not intend to add push notifications when giveaways become available. That is, in my opinion, getting too close to auto-join territory.
   • That said, I am looking into the possibility of notifications for incoming messages (i.e., you've won, comment replies, etc).
5. How often will there be updates?
   • Life has a way of keeping me very busy. I plan to work on the project when I can but I cannot make promises on timelines or frequency.