First porn app 'approved' for the iPhone in Europe

For the first time, a porn app will be available in an alternative Apple app store. But the company would strongly prefer if it were not the case.

The Arrival of Hot Tub on AltStore PAL

The app is called Hot Tub, and its developer, Riley Testut, says the app has been approved by Apple. The app is actually being marketed as the "first Apple-approved porn app". This is only partially true. While the app has passed Apple's Notarisation process that ensures the app is safe, Apple is adamantly against porn on its App Store. The app will be available on AltStore PAL, which is an alternative app store.

Regulatory Context and the Digital Markets Act

These alternative marketplaces are only available in Europe, due to the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates that large companies such as Apple have to offer alternative marketplaces for apps. Apple does not allow pornographic apps in its App Store, but the alternative app stores are allowed to have different rules. In particular, AltStore PAL doesn't appear to explicitly prohibit any type of apps. "All apps are welcome," wrote Testut in an announcement blog post.

Apple's Stance and Safety Concerns

Apple expressed its position clearly: "We are deeply concerned about the safety risks that hardcore porn apps of this type create for EU users, especially kids. 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. 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 further clarified: "The truth is that we are required by the European Commission to allow it to be distributed by marketplace operators like AltStore and Epic who may not share our concerns for user safety."

The Hot Tub app is described as an "adult content browser," and it will be available for iPhone on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, but only for folks in the EU.

Launch Overview