Why iPhones First Porn App Could Be Dangerous

For the first time ever, a porn app has officially landed on iPhones—but Apple is less than thrilled. The app, called Hot Tub, made its way onto Apple devices via AltStore PAL, an alternative app marketplace that bypasses Apple’s traditional App Store restrictions.

While Apple has famously banned explicit content from its App Store, new EU regulations forced the tech giant to allow third-party app stores, opening the floodgates for content it had previously blocked. Hot Tub is the first adult app to take advantage of this loophole, and Apple isn’t holding back on its criticism.

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AltStore, the alternative app store behind Hot Tub, wasted no time calling it the “first Apple-approved porn app” in a post on X. While technically true in the sense that it passed Apple’s security and functionality review, Apple was quick to shut down any claims that it supports the app.

“We are deeply concerned about the safety risks that hardcore porn apps of this type create for EU users, especially kids,” Apple said when asked about the app. “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.”

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AltStore PAL, launched last year by indie developer Riley Testut, was designed to allow smaller, independent apps to flourish outside of Apple’s notoriously strict guidelines. Testut defended the store’s mission, saying:

“All apps are welcome, but I believe AltStore makes the most sense for smaller, indie apps that otherwise couldn’t exist due to App Store rules.”

Originally, AltStore charged a small fee for access, but it later became free after securing funding from Fortnite creator Epic Games, which has been battling Apple in courts over its App Store dominance.

Apple’s Battle With the EU and Epic Games

Apple’s hand was forced by the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), a regulation designed to stop tech giants from monopolising app distribution. Apple previously faced accusations of violating the DMA, and to comply, it had to allow alternative app marketplaces in Europe.

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Despite complying, Apple has repeatedly warned that opening up iOS to third-party stores comes with risks. It has already flagged concerns about Hot Tub to the European Commission and reiterated its opposition to sideloading, arguing that it exposes users to “deceptive, dangerous, and dubious digital content.”

For now, Hot Tub is available to European iPhone users who install AltStore PAL, but Apple’s reaction suggests this might not be the end of the debate. As the battle over app store control rages on, one thing is clear—Apple’s iron grip on iPhone content is slipping, and it’s not happy about it.