Apple shared the following statement about the release of the “Hot Tub” app on the AltStore PAL.
“We are deeply concerned about the safety risks that hardcore porn apps of this type create for EU users, especially kids,” Apple told BleepingComputer.
“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. 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.”
Apple in its defense has a point here. So what’s going on with the app?
AltStore PAL launched in April 2024 and is an alternative app marketplace for iOS users in the EU, initially created to distribute the founder’s Delta Nintendo emulator and the Clip clipboard manager for iOS.
The platform allows users in the EU to install apps not available on Apple’s official App Store, including those that may not meet Apple’s content guidelines, such as adult content.
Today, AltStore announced that they are now distributing the first Apple-Notarized porn app called “Hot Tub,” which was developed by c1d3r.
“iPhone turns 18 this year, which means it’s finally old enough for some more ~mature~ apps…,” reads a post on Threads.
“Introducing Hot Tub by c1d3r, the world’s 1st Apple-approved porn app! Try it now exclusively on AltStore PAL — just in time for the season of love.”
The app is described as an ad-free “adult content browser” and has successfully passed Apple’s notarization process, which reviews apps for security and privacy risks before they can be installed on iOS devices.
While the Hot Tub app has passed this process and thus is allowed to be installed on Apple devices, it does not mean Apple has approved it for its own app store.
This new app store is not visible by default and there are things you need to do to get it going. The article discusses this.
What do you guys think?
First Apple-notarized porn app available to iPhone users in Europe is the article if people want to read it.
I have no idea what else is on this app store and the article doesn’t mention what else is out here on this store.
First Apple-notarized porn app available to iPhone users in Europe is your article.