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Thursday, Mar 19, 2026
Outside the box.
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Apple Blocks Porn App on iPhones in the European Union, Citing Safety Risks
Apple rejects the Hot Tub app on alternative marketplace AltStore, expressing concerns about child safety and content risks under new EU digital rules.
Apple has expressed concerns over the safety risks of a pornography app called Hot Tub, available on iPhones in the European Union through the AltStore marketplace.
The tech giant, which has long maintained exclusive control over its App Store, loosened its grip in 2023 following the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates tech companies to allow alternative app marketplaces.
The Hot Tub app, described as the 'first Apple-approved porn app' by AltStore PAL, was approved for security and functionality checks but has been criticized by Apple for its potential to expose children to explicit content.
Apple stated that it never approved the app for the App Store and expressed concerns over the safety of such apps, particularly for younger users.
AltStore PAL, an alternative marketplace launched by Riley Testut, allows apps that would typically be restricted by Apple's App Store guidelines.
Initially, AltStore charged users a subscription fee but now offers free access after receiving support from Epic Games.
Apple noted that while it is required by the European Commission to allow alternative marketplaces like AltStore, it raised its concerns with the Commission in December.
The company has long argued that sideloading apps from outside its official store poses risks, including the spread of harmful or deceptive content.
Epic Games and the European Commission have yet to comment on the issue.
The tech giant, which has long maintained exclusive control over its App Store, loosened its grip in 2023 following the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates tech companies to allow alternative app marketplaces.
The Hot Tub app, described as the 'first Apple-approved porn app' by AltStore PAL, was approved for security and functionality checks but has been criticized by Apple for its potential to expose children to explicit content.
Apple stated that it never approved the app for the App Store and expressed concerns over the safety of such apps, particularly for younger users.
AltStore PAL, an alternative marketplace launched by Riley Testut, allows apps that would typically be restricted by Apple's App Store guidelines.
Initially, AltStore charged users a subscription fee but now offers free access after receiving support from Epic Games.
Apple noted that while it is required by the European Commission to allow alternative marketplaces like AltStore, it raised its concerns with the Commission in December.
The company has long argued that sideloading apps from outside its official store poses risks, including the spread of harmful or deceptive content.
Epic Games and the European Commission have yet to comment on the issue.
