Hot Tub: First Native iPhone Porn App Launches in EU

Native Pornography App Launches in EU Following DMA

A dedicated pornography application for iOS devices is set to become available within the European Union. This is facilitated by the AltStore PAL, an alternative app store that has gained approval thanks to Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).

AltStore announced on Monday the arrival of “Hot Tub,” an application designed to aggregate content from various adult websites. Users will be able to search and stream videos from platforms such as Pornhub, Xvideos, XNXX, and XHamster.

DMA Enables Alternative App Stores

While accessing adult content via web browsers on iPhones has always been possible, the DMA introduces a significant change. It now permits app developers to distribute iPhone and iPad applications through alternative marketplaces within the EU.

These alternative app stores possess the autonomy to determine the types of applications they will host. This includes applications that might otherwise violate Apple’s standard App Store Guidelines.

Apple's Notarization Process

According to Apple’s documentation, applications distributed through these alternative channels must still undergo a Notarization process. This ensures they meet fundamental platform integrity standards.

However, Apple cautions that alternative app stores have the option to publish applications without a rating. These unrated apps could potentially include content such as pornography, materials related to drugs and alcohol, depictions of weapons, or hate speech.

Hot Tub's Approval and AltStore's Stance

AltStore asserts that the approval of the Hot Tub app represents the first successful completion of the Notarization process for distribution on the iPhone. The company reports no difficulties in obtaining approval, likely due to Apple’s prior use of pornography as an example of content now permissible under the DMA.

Riley Testut, the developer at AltStore, stated the company intends to donate its Patreon revenue to organizations supporting sex workers and the LGBTQ+ community throughout February. Beneficiaries include The Trevor Project and the Red Umbrella Fund.

“We believe this action is crucial to counteract recent detrimental policies enacted by politicians and companies like Meta,” AltStore communicated via social media, encouraging broader support.

Developer Background and App Features

The Hot Tub application was created by an independent developer known as c1d3r, who previously participated in the jailbreaking community. Jailbreaking involves bypassing Apple’s security measures to install unauthorized applications on iPhones.

The app is positioned as a native alternative to traditional porn websites, offering protection against advertisements, tracking mechanisms, and intrusive pop-up windows.

Key features include integrated search functionality, gesture controls, customizable settings, and exclusive benefits for subscribers, such as advanced search options, filtering capabilities, and expanded content categories across multiple platforms.

Apple's Response to Marketing Claims

Apple expressed concern regarding AltStore’s marketing of Hot Tub as “Apple approved,” clarifying that alternative app store applications do not undergo the standard App Review process.

The company also noted AltStore’s backing by Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, which previously engaged in legal action against Apple concerning antitrust issues. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, responded on X, stating that the Epic Games store does not feature pornographic applications, including Hot Tub.

Apple released the following statement:

This article has been updated to include Apple’s response.