Today, the third-party app store AltStore PAL announced the availability of a pornographic application named Hot Tub for iOS users in the European Union. This marketplace allows EU residents to sideload apps that are not available on Apple’s App Store, branding it as the “first Apple-approved porn app.”
In response, Apple expressed its “deep concern” regarding Hot Tub, which, as TechCrunch noted, marks the first occasion a porn app has been natively accessible on the iPhone. An Apple spokesperson stated, “We are deeply concerned about the safety risks that hardcore porn apps of this type create for EU users, especially children. 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 approve of this app and would never offer it in our App Store.”
Apple emphasized that its notarization guidelines state that app developers must not “suggest or imply that Apple is a source or supplier of the App, or that Apple endorses any particular representation regarding quality or functionality.” AltStore’s statements seem to contradict that guidance.
In a statement to Engadget, AltStore creator Riley Testut refuted claims of making “any false statements.” He asserted that Hot Tub underwent Apple’s notarization process and was subsequently approved by Apple employees for distribution through alternative app marketplaces like AltStore PAL. He clarified that it was this approval that AltStore highlighted in its marketing. Additionally, he mentioned that the Digital Markets Act (DMA) does not mandate Apple to approve apps for distribution, indicating that the company has opted to do so voluntarily.
Apple has openly expressed its discontent with the DMA, which compels the company to permit third-party app stores in Europe. The company stated, “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.”
Alongside AltStore, Fortnite developer Epic has recently announced intentions to introduce third-party mobile games to its Epic Games app in the EU. Although AltStore PAL and Epic are not officially connected, Epic provided AltStore with a “MegaGrant” last year to assist with the “core technology fees” that third-party app stores are obligated to pay Apple.
