Apple has approved the first pornographic application for use on iPhones in Europe, a development stemming from the EU's Digital Markets Act. The app, named Hot Tub, is available through the alternative iOS app marketplace AltStore PAL.

Hot Tub App and Apple's Stance

The Hot Tub app, described as a free "adult content browser" for EU users, streams content from sites such as Pornhub and XHamster. It has passed Apple's review for fraud, functionality, and security threats. AltStore PAL, in a social media post this week, referred to Hot Tub as "the world’s 1st Apple-approved porn app."

Apple, however, has expressed strong objections to this characterization. Peter Ajemian, an Apple spokesperson, stated in a statement shared with The Verge, "We are deeply concerned about the safety risks that hardcore porn apps of this type create for EU users, especially kids." Ajemian added that Apple does not approve of the app and would never offer it in its own App Store. The company's position is that it is required by the European Commission to allow distribution by marketplace operators such as AltStore and Epic, who may not share Apple's concerns for user safety. Apple co-founder Steve Jobs previously held the belief that Apple had a "moral responsibility" to keep pornography off the iPhone, and the company's App Store has long prohibited "overtly sexual or pornographic material."

The app's developer, Riley Testut, announced that AltStore PAL will donate all of its Patreon earnings for the current month to "causes supporting sex workers and those in the LGBTQ+ community." Testut described Hot Tub as an elegant, native porn app that is "thoughtfully designed, ethically made, and free to use." Vice characterized the app as "easily navigable" and noted its "streamlined browsing experience with no ads or pop-ups."

Regulatory Context and Marketplace Operations

The availability of Hot Tub on iPhones in Europe is a direct consequence of the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). This legislation mandates that large companies like Apple must offer alternative marketplaces for apps, providing iPhone users with the option to browse these alternative app stores. While Apple's App Store maintains its ban on pornographic apps, alternative app stores are permitted to establish different rules. AltStore PAL, for instance, does not appear to explicitly prohibit any type of apps, with Testut stating in an announcement blog post, "All apps are welcome."

AltStore PAL launched in Europe in April 2024, three months after the Digital Markets Act took effect. It operates as one of the initial alternative iOS app marketplaces and receives funding from a "MegaGrant" provided by Epic Games. Epic Games also operates its own app storefront, which does not feature any pornographic applications. AltStore PAL informed Tech Crunch that it encountered no issues during the process of getting the Hot Tub app approved for distribution on the iPhone.

Concerns and Future Implications

Apple's concerns extend to the potential impact on consumer trust and confidence in its ecosystem. Peter Ajemian's statement indicated that "This app and others like it will undermine consumer trust and confidence in our ecosystem that we have worked for more than a decade to make the best in the world." A specific point of contention for Apple is the presence of a "Teen" channel within the Hot Tub app, which features adult content.

The introduction of Hot Tub through an alternative marketplace suggests that more iPhone-compatible pornographic applications may follow. The DMA's provisions have created a new landscape for app distribution on iOS devices within the European Union, allowing for content that was previously restricted by Apple's long-standing policies.

Key Facts

  • The Hot Tub app is the first pornographic application approved for use on iPhones in Europe.
  • It is available through AltStore PAL, an alternative iOS app marketplace.
  • Apple's approval of Hot Tub is a result of the EU's Digital Markets Act.
  • Apple has expressed strong disapproval of the app, citing safety risks for users, particularly children.
  • Hot Tub is described as a free "adult content browser" and includes content from sites like Pornhub and XHamster.
  • AltStore PAL launched in Europe in April 2024 and is funded by a "MegaGrant" from Epic Games.