Apple warns about ‘hardcore porn apps’ in EU

US tech giant Apple has condemned the launch of a new pornography app in the EU that is now accessible on iPhones via third-party app stores under the bloc’s digital rules.

AltStore PAL, an alternative app marketplace enabled by the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), introduced Hot Tub this week, describing it as an adult content browser for iPhones. The marketplace developer claimed in a social media post on Monday that Hot Tub is “the world’s 1st Apple-approved porn app.” 

The US company rejected the “false statements,” arguing that it “certainly” does not approve of the 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 spokesperson Peter Ajemian was quoted as stated by The Verge.

He said the company is “deeply concerned about the safety risks that hardcore porn apps of this type create for EU users, especially kids,” warning that such apps would “undermine consumer trust and confidence in our ecosystem.” 

Under the DMA adopted in 2022, Apple was required to adjust its business practices and loosen App Store restrictions, allowing users across the 27-nation EU to download iPhone apps from third-party stores.

As part of its alternative app store process, Apple mandates a baseline review called ‘notarization,’ which scans for cybersecurity threats such as known malware but does not assess or approve an app’s content.

The company has pushed back against the new regulations, arguing they open the door to more harmful services, including those offering pornography, illegal drugs, and other content it has long banned from its App Store.

Responding to Apple’s criticism, AltStore accused the company of using safety concerns as a cover to maintain its dominance. “Apple continues to use safety as a pretext to protect their monopoly power and evade compliance with the DMA,” the marketplace stated.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney also slammed Apple, pointing out that platforms such as Windows, Mac, and Linux allow developers to release apps without restrictions. He also argued that the iOS App Store hosts the Reddit app, which provides access to porn.

“Apple knows this, permits it, and gave Reddit a 17+ (!!!) rating and Editors’ Choice award,” Sweeney posted on X on Tuesday.

Apple bans “overtly sexual or pornographic material” on its iOS store. Former CEO Steve Jobs once said the company has “a moral responsibility” to keep porn off iPhones, urging users to “buy an Android phone” instead.