Apple Criticizes EU’s Digital Rules After First Porn App Appears on iPhone

CUPERTINO — Apple has expressed concerns over the distribution of the first-ever pornography app, Hot Tub, on iPhones in the European Union, following changes under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The app, available through the AltStore platform, has raised alarms for safety risks, particularly for children.

Since launching the App Store in 2008, Apple has strictly controlled the apps available, with a policy of keeping pornography off its devices. However, under the DMA, which mandates Apple allow alternative app stores, AltStore began distributing Hot Tub, an app designed for secure browsing of adult content.

While Apple is required to allow such apps to be distributed, it clarified that it did not approve Hot Tub and does not plan to offer it in the official App Store. The app was only "notarized" by Apple, a security check for malware, but does not review content.

Epic Games, backed by AltStore, has supported the DMA for enabling more competition, though its own app store does not carry Hot Tub or any other adult content apps. Apple maintains that the EU’s rules undermine consumer trust and are concerned about their impact on its ecosystem.