Apple has slammed the release of the first dedicated pornography app for iPhone, calling its launch misleading and potentially unsafe.
The app, called Hot Tub, is only available in the EU, where laws force Apple to allow alternative app stores on its devices.
According to its description, Hot Tub is a free app that lets users search for and watch content from a variety of adult websites – all without ads.
It’s being distributed through AltStore PAL, an alternative app marketplace that launched in the EU last year, thanks to the region’s Digital Markets Act.
But Apple isn’t happy. In a statement, the tech giant took issue with AltStore’s suggestion that Hot Tub is “approved by Apple”, warning that porn apps pose serious safety risks (especially for children) and could “undermine user trust” in the iPhone ecosystem.
Apple made it clear that Hot Tub would never be allowed on its official App Store but said EU laws left it with no choice when it came to third-party marketplaces.
iPhone turns 18 this year, which means it’s finally old enough for some more ~mature~ apps…
— AltStore.io (@altstoreio) February 3, 2025
Introducing Hot Tub by @C1d3rDev, the world’s 1st Apple-approved porn app!
Try it now on AltStore PAL — just in time for the season of love ❤️
Source: https://t.co/81ja9rSpCR pic.twitter.com/VW37rb6K5h
AltStore, which is backed by a grant from Fortnite maker Epic Games, fired back, accusing Apple of using safety concerns as an excuse to protect its dominance and dodge compliance with the Digital Markets Act.
Does Apple allow porn on the App Store?
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney also hit back, saying Apple’s claims were misleading and hypocritical.
“Contrary to Apple’s false statement, the Epic Games Store doesn’t carry this app, doesn’t carry any porn apps, and has never carried porn apps,” he posted on X.
“Apple’s App Store does carry porn apps. For example, they host the Reddit app, and Reddit is full of porn,” he added in a follow-up post.
Apple bans explicit content from its App Store, but allows users to view it on its Safari web browser for iPhone. However, platforms like Reddit, which allow adult material, are still available. To limit access, Reddit carries a 17+ age rating on the App Store, and users must confirm they’re over 17 to download it.
What is the Digital Markets Act?
Europe’s Digital Markets Act is designed to loosen big tech’s grip by forcing companies like Apple and Google to allow more competition. One major change is that iPhone users in the EU can now download apps from alternative stores, rather than being locked into Apple’s App Store.
While Apple has had to open the door to third-party marketplaces, it still requires apps distributed this way to go through a notarisation process for security checks. However, Apple insists that this is not the same as an official approval or endorsement.
