Apple has, and reluctantly, approved a porn app in the EU for regulations of the European Digital Markets Act.
First porn app on iPhone is available
The European Union shows the Digital Markets Act Developers to distribute iOS apps via alternative app stores. Apple checks these apps for malware and other harmful content. But unlike the Apple App Store, there are few limitations with regard to the subject with these alternative stores. The consequence of this is that users in the EU can now download a porn app for the iPhone for the first time, to Apple’s displeasure.
The app is called Hot Tub and is available via Altstore PALan EU marketplace for developer apps Riley Testut. The app is free and promises a safe way to browse through porn content, without advertisements or tracking. The Apple App Store has clear rules against sexual or pornographic material, which means that Hot Tub could not exist without the option prescribed by DMA for alternative app distribution.
Apple is not happy
Porno app Hot Tub is now distributed via the same channel as Nintendo-Emulators and Fortnite, so it is understandable that Apple is not happy with it. The fact that Apple has approved the Porno app on iPhone is ignored by the fact that Apple was legally obliged to do that because of the DMA policy. The porn app simply describes as ‘Apple approved’, as the developer of the app does, is therefore misleading.
Apple has since issued a statement about the approval that the company has had to issue:
“We are deeply concerned about the safety risks that hardcore porn apps of this type create for eu users, eSpecialally 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 approach of this app and would never offer it in our app store. The truth is that we are requested 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. ”
(“We are very concerned about the safety risks that this type of hardcore porn apps entail for users in the EU, especially for children. This app and similar apps undermine the confidence of consumers in our ecosystem, where we have already more than ten have worked on the best in the world, in contrast to what the developer of the alternative App Store is absolutely not good and we would never offer it in our App Store. The European Commission is obliged to allow the app to be distributed by Marktplaats operators such as Altstore and Epic, who may not share our concerns about users’ safety. ”)
Install Altstore
Altstore PAL has been available in the European Union since 18 April 2024. Initially you paid 1.82 euros per year for the service, but the App Store can now be used for free. If you want to try Altstore Pal, read our article Altstore PAL on your iPhone.