For years, Apple has maintained strict control over the apps available on iPhones, with one clear rule: no pornography. But that has now changed, at least in Europe. A new adult content app called Hot Tub has made its way onto iPhones via an alternative app marketplace, and Apple is voicing serious concerns.
EU Regulations Force Apple’s Hand, Paving the Way for Controversial Apps
The app, which describes itself as an “adult content browser,” allows users to watch videos from popular adult sites like Pornhub and XHamster. However, it is not available through the official App Store.
Instead, Hot Tub is offered on AltStore PAL, an independent app marketplace made possible by the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). This landmark legislation forces Apple to allow third-party app stores, giving developers more freedom to distribute software outside of Apple’s usual restrictions.
While Apple insists that it never approved Hot Tub, the app did pass its notarization process, a security check designed to weed out malware and fraud. This led AltStore PAL to call it “the world’s first Apple-approved porn app” a claim Apple has aggressively disputed.
In a statement, the company said, “Contrary to the false statements made by the marketplace developer, we certainly do not approve of this app and would never offer it in our App Store.” Apple also expressed deep concerns about the safety risks of adult content apps, particularly for minors.
AltStore PAL, founded by Riley Testut, received funding from Epic Games, a company that has been locked in a long-running legal battle with Apple over its app store policies. Interestingly, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney clarified that Hot Tub is not available on the Epic Games Store, distancing the company from the controversy.
For now, Hot Tub remains exclusive to the EU. But with alternative app stores gaining traction, this could mark the beginning of a new era where Apple no longer has the final say over what apps iPhone users can install.
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(Via)
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