Apple has expressed strong criticism regarding a pornography app that has recently become available on iPhones in the European Union, arguing that the bloc’s digital regulations are undermining consumer trust in the company.
Since the launch of the App Store in 2008, Apple has maintained strict control over what applications could be downloaded onto its devices, Reuters news report said. In 2010, then-CEO Steve Jobs emphasized that preventing pornography on iPhones was part of Apple’s “moral responsibility” and a key reason for its gatekeeper role. However, this level of control has been significantly altered due to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which was adopted in 2022. The DMA requires Apple to allow alternative app stores on iPhones, reducing its ability to act as the sole gatekeeper of app distribution.
One such alternative app store, AltStore, has begun offering a pornography application called Hot Tub, which markets itself as “a private, secure, and elegant way to browse adult content.” Apple responded to this development by expressing deep concerns over the safety risks associated with adult content apps, particularly in regard to children.
The company stated that such applications pose a threat to consumer trust and confidence in Apple’s ecosystem. Apple’s stance has remained consistent over the years, as the company has actively sought to exclude adult content from its platform.
AltStore has received financial backing from Epic Games, the developer behind the popular video game Fortnite. Epic Games has been involved in a longstanding legal and regulatory battle against Apple, challenging its App Store policies on antitrust grounds.
AltStore reportedly used Epic’s funding to cover fees that Apple charges to alternative app stores. These fees are currently under scrutiny by EU regulators as part of their broader investigation into Apple’s compliance with the DMA.
Despite Apple’s resistance to hosting adult content, it still conducts a baseline review process known as “notarization” for apps distributed through alternative stores. This review is primarily focused on identifying cybersecurity threats such as malware but does not involve content approval.
AltStore pointed out that Hot Tub successfully passed Apple’s notarization process, and in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), it referred to the app as “the world’s 1st Apple-approved porn app.” This claim provoked a sharp response from Apple, which refuted the assertion and stated that it does not approve of such applications and would never allow them on its own App Store. Apple emphasized that the app’s presence on iPhones is solely due to the European Commission’s mandate requiring Apple to permit alternative app stores.
AltStore defended its statements by clarifying that its comments referred specifically to Apple’s notarization process rather than an explicit approval of the app’s content. Hot Tub, in response to press inquiries, directed media questions to AltStore.
Meanwhile, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney weighed in on the controversy, stating that his company supports regulations like the DMA because, in his view, Apple has historically misused its gatekeeping power to stifle competition. He also clarified that while Epic operates its own app store in the EU, it has never carried the Hot Tub app or any other pornographic applications.
The situation highlights the tensions between Apple, regulatory authorities, and rival companies over the control of app distribution on iPhones. While Apple argues that its previous approach ensured consumer protection and trust, regulators and competitors claim that its dominance has stifled competition and innovation.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
