A dedicated adult content application for iOS is set to launch in the EU through the alternative app store AltStore PAL, thanks to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). On Monday, AltStore unveiled the new app called Hot Tub, which enables iOS users to discover and stream videos from a selection of adult sites, including Pornhub, Xvideos, XNXX, and XHamster.
While users have always been able to access adult websites via the iPhone’s web browser, the DMA facilitates developers in releasing applications for iPhone and iPad through alternative marketplaces in the EU.
These alternative app store operators have the liberty to choose which apps to accept, including those that may not comply with Apple’s App Store Guidelines.
As detailed in a support document from Apple, these apps still need to undergo a Notarization process to fulfill “baseline platform integrity standards.” However, Apple cautions that alternative app stores may choose to publish unrated applications that could include content related to pornography, drugs, alcohol, weapons, hate speech, and more.
AltStore asserts that the Hot Tub app is the first to complete the Notarization process and be approved for distribution on the iPhone. Despite the app’s contentious content, the company reports that they faced no obstacles in the approval process. This may be due to Apple’s long-standing usage of pornography as an example of the types of apps they are now mandated to permit under the DMA.
According to Riley Testut, the developer behind AltStore, the organization plans to donate its Patreon profits to support initiatives aiding sex workers and the LGBTQ+ community throughout February, including The Trevor Project and Red Umbrella Fund.
“We think this action is essential to counter recent negative policies from politicians, Meta, and others, and we encourage everyone to contribute in any way they can,” shared the AltStore account on social media.
The Hot Tub app was created by an independent developer known as c1d3r, who previously engaged with the jailbreak community. (Jailbreaking refers to the process of bypassing Apple’s security measures to install unauthorized applications on the iPhone.)
The app promotes itself as a native substitute for adult websites, offering users protection from advertisements, trackers, and intrusive pop-ups. It includes features like built-in search, gesture controls, customizable settings, and premium features for subscribers, such as advanced search options, filtering, and category navigation across multiple networks.
Apple has expressed concerns regarding how AltStore promoted the Hot Tub app as “Apple approved,” considering that applications from alternative app stores do not undergo an App Review process. The company further noted that AltStore is supported by Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite, who have previously filed a lawsuit against Apple over antitrust issues. (Epic’s CEO Tim Sweeney responded on X, highlighting that the Epic Games store does not host pornographic apps, including Hot Tub.)
Apple has officially stated:
“We are extremely concerned about the safety risks posed by hardcore pornography apps of this nature to EU users, particularly minors. Applications like this will erode consumer trust and faith in our ecosystem, which we have diligently developed over the past decade. Contrary to the misleading claims of the marketplace developer, we absolutely do not approve of this app and would never permit it in our App Store. The reality is that we are obliged by the European Commission to allow its distribution by marketplace providers like AltStore and Epic, who may not prioritize user safety.”
Updated after publication to include Apple’s response.
Compiled by Techarena.au.
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