Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Apple has allowed the first porn app on the iPhone for European Union (EU) users. The app, named “Hot Tub,” is marketed as an “adult content browser” that enables users to access and watch explicit material.
Apple has historically maintained a strict prohibition on pornography within its App Store, a policy rooted in former CEO Steve Jobs’ belief that the company had a “moral responsibility” to keep such content off its devices.
Despite this, Apple was forced to allow porn app “Hot Tub” due to new European regulations under the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates that the company provide users with access to alternative app stores that operate independently of Apple’s own content policies.
According to The Independent, “Hot Tub” became available through an alternative iOS apps marketplace launched in Europe, called the AltStore PAL.
Unlike the App Store, these marketplaces are not bound by Apple’s content restrictions, although Apple still conducts security reviews to prevent scams and ensure functionality. However, under the EU DMA, Apple is required to permit alternative app stores, including AltStore PAL.
Hot Tub’s Controversial Presence
According to Forbes, the porn app called ‘Hot Tub’ was launched on Monday, February 3 in the AltStore PAL app store described as an adult content browser. “Hot Tub” describes itself as “the first Apple-approved porn app” which allows users to stream content from popular adult websites like Pornhub and XHamster.
Critics have raised concerns over the app’s inclusion of a “teen” channel featuring content from Pornhub, which Apple flagged as particularly troubling. The company also noted that the European Commission prohibits it from blocking what it considers “repugnant content” from appearing in alternative app stores.
Apple Stance on Pornography
Despite the regulatory change, Apple has strongly opposed the inclusion of pornography-related apps on its ecosystem. Apple made clear that it did not endorse or approve of the app and claimed that it would bring risks to users in Europe.
“We are deeply concerned about the safety risks that hardcore porn apps of this type create for EU users, especially kids,” Apple stated, as reported by Forbes. “This app and others like it will undermine consumer trust and confidence in our ecosystem, which we have worked for more than a decade to make the best in the world.
“We certainly do not approve of this app and would never offer it in our App Store. 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.”
Apple also pointed out that AltStore is financially backed by Epic Games. However, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney quickly distanced his company from the controversy, posting on X (formerly Twitter) that “the Epic Games Store doesn’t carry this app, doesn’t carry any porn apps, and has never carried porn apps.”
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AltStore PAL Defend
On the other hand, the developers of AltStore PAL, Riley Testut have defended their decision to host Hot Tub, saying it’s “an elegant, native porn app. Thoughfully designed, ethically made and free to use.”
He even announcing that all Patreon earnings from February would be donated to organizations supporting sex workers and the LGBTQ+ community, according to report by The Verge. “We feel this is necessary to fight back against recent harmful policies by politicians, Meta, and others,” said Riley Testut.
As the EU’s new digital marketplace regulations take effect, governments worldwide, including in the U.S. and the U.K., are closely monitoring the implications. The regulatory shift raises questions about whether similar policies will emerge in other regions, potentially altering the way digital marketplaces operate globally.
(Raidi/Agung)
