What is Hot Tub? 'Approved' porn app sparks security warning amid iPhone rollout in Europe

Ambarish Awale
·4-min read
A porn app is now available for AltStore PAL users in the EU to download on their iPhones
-Credit:Getty Images


The first-ever "approved" porn app for iPhones is now rolling out in Europe, thanks to the AltStore PAL alternative app marketplace. This has been made possible by the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which allows third-party app stores to operate on iOS devices.

On Monday, AltStore launched Hot Tub, an adult content aggregator that enables iOS users to search and stream videos from popular porn websites, including Pornhub, Xvideos, XNXX, and XHamster. While iPhone users have always been able to access these sites through a web browser, the DMA now allows developers to distribute apps outside Apple's official App Store.

These alternative marketplaces have the freedom to approve apps that would typically violate Apple's strict App Store Guidelines, giving developers more control over the types of content they offer.

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Hot Tub, an ad-free "adult content browser," has officially passed Apple’s notarisation review for fraud, security risks, and functionality, according to AltStore PAL developer Riley Testut. The app is now available for AltStore PAL users in the EU to download.

However, Apple's involvement in the approval process has sparked debate. The tech giant has pushed back against claims that Hot Tub is the “first Apple-approved porn app,” stressing that the EU’s alternative app store approval system is far less rigorous than its own, focusing mainly on functionality and security rather than content restrictions.

Under the new EU Digital Markets Act, Apple is now required to allow users the option of using alternative app stores, which don't follow the same strict rules as the App Store. These apps still need to be checked by Apple to ensure they are not fraudulent, don't weaken iPhone security, and function correctly. However, there are no restrictions on the content available through these alternative app stores.

The app will allow users to stream videos from popular porn websites, including Pornhub, Xvideos, XNXX, and XHamster.
The app will allow users to stream videos from popular porn websites, including Pornhub, Xvideos, XNXX, and XHamster. -Credit:Getty Images

Apps distributed via these third-party platforms in the EU only require notarisation, as opposed to the more extensive approval process typically used by Apple. AltStore PAL “says they didn’t have any issues getting the app approved, though that’s likely because Apple has often used pornography as an example of the kind of app they now must allow under the DMA,” Tech Crunch reports.

Since the app's marketing suggested it had received approval from Apple, the company has strongly pushed back. In response, Apple provided a statement to the Daily Record clarifying its stance.

“We are deeply concerned about the safety risks that hardcore porn apps of this type create for EU users, especially kids. 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 has raised concerns about the inclusion of a “teen” channel featuring content from Pornhub. Additionally, Apple highlighted that the European Commission's regulations prevent the company from blocking what it deems repugnant content from appearing on alternative app marketplaces.

Despite Apple’s concerns, AltStore PAL’s Riley Testut maintains the app is “elegant, native, thoughtfully designed, ethically made and free to use,” and has gained approval through Apple's notarisation process, ensuring that it meets security and functionality standards.

Testut also announced that AltStore PAL would donate all its February Patreon earnings to support sex workers and the LGBTQ+ community. "We feel this is necessary to fight back against recent harmful policies by politicians, Meta, and others,” Testut said.

Apple also noted that AltStore is backed by Epic Games, which funded the app store's launch through a “MegaGrant,” allowing the removal of its annual subscription fee. Despite Epic’s involvement, Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, was quick to clarify on X that the Epic Games Store does not carry this app or any pornography apps.

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