Native Pornography App for iOS Launches in EU via AltStore PAL

Introduction

A native pornography app for iOS, Hot Tub, is set to launch in the European Union via the approved alternative app store AltStore PAL. This launch is made possible by Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which allows app developers to release iPhone and iPad apps through alternative marketplaces in the EU.

Background

While it has always been possible to browse the web, including porn websites, from the iPhone’s web browser, the DMA allows app developers to release iPhone and iPad apps through alternative marketplaces in the EU. These alternative app store publishers can make decisions about the types of apps they will allow, including those that would otherwise run afoul of Apple’s App Store Guidelines.

Alternative App Stores

Alternative app stores can opt to publish unrated apps that may include things like pornography, drug and alcohol, weapons, hate speech, and more. However, these apps still have to go through a Notarization process to meet "baseline platform integrity standards." Apple warns that alternative app stores can publish unrated apps, but the company has often used pornography as an example of the kind of app they now must allow under the DMA.

Hot Tub App Approval

AltStore claims that the approval of the Hot Tub app is the first to go through the Notarization process to be approved for distribution on the iPhone. Despite the nature of the content, the company says they didn’t have any issues getting the app approved, likely because Apple has often used pornography as an example of the kind of app they now must allow under the DMA.

AltStore’s Stance

AltStore developer Riley Testut stated that the company will use the new opportunity to donate its Patreon earnings to causes supporting sex workers and others in the LGBTQ+ community during February, including The Trevor Project and Red Umbrella Fund. The company feels that this is necessary to fight back against recent harmful policies by politicians, Meta, and others.

Hot Tub App Features

The Hot Tub app was developed by an independent developer who goes by c1d3r, and was previously active in the jailbreak scene. The app markets itself as a native alternative to porn websites that protects users from ads, trackers, and spammy pop-ups. The app also features built-in search, gestures, customizable controls, and subscriber-only features, like advanced search, filtering, and categories across multiple networks.

Conclusion

The launch of the Hot Tub app in the EU via AltStore PAL marks a significant milestone in the use of alternative app stores in the region. As Apple continues to relax its App Store Guidelines, it will be interesting to see how alternative app stores like AltStore PAL continue to evolve and grow.