The first porn app 'licensed' by Apple for iPhone

The app, called Hot Tub, is available through the alternative app store AltStore thanks to the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). AltStore announced the app on February 3, allowing iPhone users to search and stream videos from a variety of popular porn sites.

AltStore is one of the third-party app stores in the EU.

While users will still be able to access porn sites through their iPhone browsers, the DMA's move to allow app developers to release iPhone and iPad apps through alternative stores in the EU has received a lot of attention. These publishers have the power to decide what types of apps are allowed, including those that may violate Apple's App Store guidelines. The iPhone maker has repeatedly warned that alternative stores could host unrated apps, including pornography, drugs, alcohol, weapons, and hate speech.

Even with DMA compliance, Apple is said to have a 'notarization' process for apps distributed through its third-party stores. Notably, AltStore claims Hot Tub is the first app to be approved by Apple through this program. This is surprising, as Apple often uses pornography as an example of concerns that have repeatedly prevented it from allowing third-party app stores.

AltStore developer Riley Testut said the company will donate a portion of the app's earnings to support sex workers and the LGBTQ+ community in February. The app was developed by an independent developer who goes by the moniker c1d3r, who used to work in the jailbreak industry.

Hot Tub self-promotion licensed by Apple?

The app bills itself as an alternative to porn sites, protecting users from ads, trackers, and pop-ups. It also offers features like built-in search, gestures, customizable controls, and subscriber-only features.

However, Apple has taken issue with AltStore's marketing of Hot Tub as 'Apple approved', noting that apps from the alternative store do not go through an app review process. Apple has also pointed out that AltStore is backed by Epic Games. The company has said it is concerned about the safety risks that porn apps pose to EU users, particularly children.

'This app and others like it undermine consumer trust and confidence in the ecosystem we have worked hard to build over more than a decade. We do not approve this app and will never offer it on our App Store,' the company stressed.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 10 February 2025