AltStore brings first porn app to iPhones in the EU, Apple doesn't 'approve'

Jump to First Reply
Posted:
in iOS

The first native porn app for iPhone called "Hot Tub" may have passed notarization checks, but Apple wants everyone to know it certainly doesn't "approve" of such dangerous things on its devices.

Two app icons with a red heart between them, set against a background of floating hearts, and text above.
Hot Tub arrives on AltStore



Apple's App Store Review Guidelines have almost always explicitly stated that apps featuring "overtly sexual or pornographic material" are not allowed, period. However, alternate app stores in the EU can publish anything that passes a notarization check, and that's happened with the first-ever native porn app for iPhone.

When AltStore promoted the app, named Hot Tub, it used the phrase "the first Apple-approved porn app" in marketing. Apple was quick to deny that it "approved" of the app, and released a statement to MacRumors.



The statement highlighted the company's concern for easy access to explicit content and the risk to customers.

"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 draws a clear line in the sand that it would never allow such an app on the App Store. While it is true you'll never find an app for PornHub in the App Store, there are plenty of popular apps filled with explicit, pornographic, or otherwise adult material all over the App Store.

The statement is even more bewildering given that Safari enables easy access to porn from the jump unless specific steps are taken to block the content. If the device is owned by a minor, certain filters are automatically in place, but even those aren't enough.

As the Broadway song suggests -- The Internet Is For Porn. OK, it may not be for porn, but the adult industry has been a driver behind new technologies for decades.

Everything from VHS to Apple Vision Pro has had some effect on the porn industry and vice versa. There's no escaping it, and it's even more confusing coming from an otherwise progressive company that likely wouldn't take issue with the porn industry or sex work outside of the App Store.

Moving beyond Safari, the App Store itself is brimming with adult content. It's not hard to find explicit material on many popular apps, even ones that ban the content like YouTube or Facebook.

Art sharing communities have adult sections, Mastodon has a thriving community around various explicit content, and even Bluesky is no stranger to nudity and pornography. Let's not even get into X, formerly Twitter, and its flood of bots serving explicit images in DMs and replies.

Tablet screen displays various dating app advertisements with colorful designs and images of people. Text includes phrases like 'Swipe Match Date,' 'Meet real people,' and 'Match, Chat & Enjoy.'
Search 'hookup' for a quick list of scammy-looking dating apps



So, Apple's stance that it somehow keeps people away from explicit material comes off just plain wrong. It seems the hill it wants to die on is that you can't go to the App Store and search "porn app" and get any results.

Let's not even get into the number of apps claiming to be for dating when their clear purpose is hookups, sexting, and other adult-oriented activities. The more significant danger beyond possibly seeing someone naked is those app's tendencies to prey on lonely people and lure them into scams.

But no, we should all be thanking Apple for protecting us from the scourge that is pornography. Because that's the real problem, and not the borderline casinos draining customers of livelihoods or causing addictive behavior in children.



Read on AppleInsider

avon b7jfreedle2macgui
«1

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 33
    Because porn has NEVER been used as a vector for malware.
    bloggerblogbonobobDAalseth9secondkox2watto_cobramacguimarklark
     6Likes 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 2 of 33
    avon b7avon b7 Posts: 8,103member
    Because porn has NEVER been used as a vector for malware.
    Why is that relevant? Lots of non-porn apps have also been used as vectors for malware. 

    Apple should never have been allowed to dictate what users could or couldn't download in the App Store in the first place. That should have always been in the hands of the user. 
    nubusxyzzy-xxxJanNLdewmebloggerblogDAalseth9secondkox2Doodpantswatto_cobramarklark
     4Likes 6Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 3 of 33
    I would like to argue that TikTok or X is probably much more dangerous...
    pulseimagesbonobobDAalseth9secondkox2williamlondonmattinozwatto_cobraAlex_V
     6Likes 2Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 4 of 33




    avon b7
    said:
    Because porn has NEVER been used as a vector for malware.
    Why is that relevant? Lots of non-porn apps have also been used as vectors for malware. 

    Apple should never have been allowed to dictate what users could or couldn't download in the App Store in the first place. That should have always been in the hands of the user. 
    davJanNLbloggerblogDAalseth9secondkox2williamlondonwatto_cobra
     6Likes 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 5 of 33
    Because porn has NEVER been used as a vector for malware.
    Lol the first and last episode of the show Chuck 🤣
    9secondkox2watto_cobra
     2Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 6 of 33
    How long until Apple starts to sue AltStore for false advertising and gets them kicked from the EU for it.
    pulseimagesbloggerblogwatto_cobraolsmarklark
     5Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 7 of 33
    Apple's stance against porn apps is purely for PR and political protection purposes.  It has little or nothing to do with principles, it's just a "shield" against those who would inevitably crawl out of the woodwork to claim Apple was deliberately eroding society by allowing porn apps.  The fact that the internet is full of porn, and Safari, among others, allows access to all of it is "out of their control".
    bloggerblogbonobobDAalsethxyzzy-xxxnubuswilliamlondonCloudTalkinmacgui
     5Likes 3Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 8 of 33
    avon b7avon b7 Posts: 8,103member




    avon b7
    said:
    Because porn has NEVER been used as a vector for malware.
    Why is that relevant? Lots of non-porn apps have also been used as vectors for malware. 

    Apple should never have been allowed to dictate what users could or couldn't download in the App Store in the first place. That should have always been in the hands of the user. 
    Where did we sign off on accepting that Apple decide for us? That has never been pointed out to me prior to purchase. 

    The only things Apple provides you with are options to increase their revenues. Services, storage etc. 

    They never ever mention the limitations they impose. 

    Where is the lawless mess on Android?

    Ever since I switched from iOS to Android, things have been far, far better. 

    Perhaps the irony now is seeing, year after year, Apple introducing Android features to iOS. 

    Perhaps even more ironic is seeing how Apple is actually complying (albeit in a way that is questionable) with EU law now. Something that makes the 'lawless' claim somewhat strange.

    You can expect similar results in other jurisdictions over time and, as the article correctly points out, Apple has zero issues allowing iOS users to access porn content on its devices. 


    dewmeDAalseth9secondkox2muthuk_vanalingamwatto_cobraols
     2Likes 4Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 9 of 33
    Since the 90s pornography has been so readily available to anyone with a web browser and an internet connection that even Playboy magazine couldn’t compete.
    watto_cobratiredskills
     2Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 10 of 33
    AppleInsider said:

    Apple draws a clear line in the sand that it would never allow such an app on the App Store. While it is true you'll never find an app for PornHub in the App Store, there are plenty of popular apps filled with explicit, pornographic, or otherwise adult material all over the App Store.

    The statement is even more bewildering given that Safari enables easy access to porn from the jump unless specific steps are taken to block the content. If the device is owned by a minor, certain filters are automatically in place, but even those aren't enough.
    Serious question: what apps can I download from the App Store that are “filled with” pornographic material?

    Also, it isn’t bewildering at all that Apple doesn’t want to carry porn apps in the store that carries Apple’s name and is associated with Apple. I seem to recall some Apple executive even making a comment about how things are accessible in Safari that aren’t in the App Store because Safari allows full access to the internet. Maybe I’m conflating things but that’s what I recall. 
    bonobob9secondkox2watto_cobraAlex_V
     3Likes 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 11 of 33
    avon b7avon b7 Posts: 8,103member
    AppleInsider said:

    Apple draws a clear line in the sand that it would never allow such an app on the App Store. While it is true you'll never find an app for PornHub in the App Store, there are plenty of popular apps filled with explicit, pornographic, or otherwise adult material all over the App Store.

    The statement is even more bewildering given that Safari enables easy access to porn from the jump unless specific steps are taken to block the content. If the device is owned by a minor, certain filters are automatically in place, but even those aren't enough.
    Serious question: what apps can I download from the App Store that are “filled with” pornographic material?

    Also, it isn’t bewildering at all that Apple doesn’t want to carry porn apps in the store that carries Apple’s name and is associated with Apple. I seem to recall some Apple executive even making a comment about how things are accessible in Safari that aren’t in the App Store because Safari allows full access to the internet. Maybe I’m conflating things but that’s what I recall. 
    That's fair comment but I suppose there are plenty of apps that allow users to see and share porn. Especially in the IM group of apps. 

    Tumblr? 

    It's actually fine for Apple to not want to offer this or that. The reasoning behind the decision isn't even necessary. In that sense the 'it's their store...' line is OK. 

    The root problem for me is that no mention of App Store limitations is made prior to purchase (or of any of the other limitations for that matter) and that Apple doesn't allow other stores to even exist.

    That has changed now at least in the EU. 
    muthuk_vanalingamwatto_cobra
     1Like 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 12 of 33
    I think age restrictions should be more strict on websites like Porn Hub (it shouldn’t be that easy for a 9-year old to visit) and the same counts for apps.

    However I am against prohibiting access as well. In fact, you could argue that Instagram, TikTok and other platforms have been far more damaging to our kids and society compared to porn sites.
    nubuswilliamlondonwatto_cobraols
     3Likes 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 13 of 33
    DAalsethdaalseth Posts: 3,141member
    Because porn has NEVER been used as a vector for malware.
    EXACTLY. Today it’s a porn app, it won’t be very long before we see malware, ransomeware, rootkits, spyware and all the rest using these alternate stores as vectors. 
    9secondkox2mrstepwatto_cobra
     3Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 14 of 33
    People get addicted to gambling and ruin their finances. 

    People get addicted to porn and ruin their integrity and relationships. 

    People get addicted to drugs and ruin all of the above. 

    Anything that helps people kick bad habits is a good thing. 

    No issue at all with apple not wanting porn on its App Store. It’s not like folks can’t use safari. Wish apple didn’t have gambling on its App Store either. But there is something much more seedy and heart-altering than gambling. Seen too many people and families wrecked by porn that escalated. Too many kids both addicted and affected as well. 

    Enablers are part of the problem. 
    edited February 4
    watto_cobraAlex_Vols
     3Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 15 of 33
    avon b7avon b7 Posts: 8,103member
    People get addicted to gambling and ruin their finances. 

    People get addicted to porn and ruin their integrity and relationships. 

    People get addicted to drugs and ruin all of the above. 

    Anything that helps people kick bad habits is a good thing. 

    No issue at all with apple not wanting porn on its App Store. It’s not like folks can’t use safari. Wish apple didn’t have gambling on its App Store either. But there is something much more seedy and heart-altering than gambling. Seen too many people and families wrecked by porn that escalated. Too many kids both addicted and affected as well. 

    Enablers are part of the problem. 
    Yet people are also addicted to their smartphones and are negatively impacted as well. 


    Spitbathwatto_cobra
     1Like 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 16 of 33
    anonymouseanonymouse Posts: 7,018member
    avon b7 said:
    AppleInsider said:

    Apple draws a clear line in the sand that it would never allow such an app on the App Store. While it is true you'll never find an app for PornHub in the App Store, there are plenty of popular apps filled with explicit, pornographic, or otherwise adult material all over the App Store.

    The statement is even more bewildering given that Safari enables easy access to porn from the jump unless specific steps are taken to block the content. If the device is owned by a minor, certain filters are automatically in place, but even those aren't enough.
    Serious question: what apps can I download from the App Store that are “filled with” pornographic material?

    Also, it isn’t bewildering at all that Apple doesn’t want to carry porn apps in the store that carries Apple’s name and is associated with Apple. I seem to recall some Apple executive even making a comment about how things are accessible in Safari that aren’t in the App Store because Safari allows full access to the internet. Maybe I’m conflating things but that’s what I recall. 
    That's fair comment but I suppose there are plenty of apps that allow users to see and share porn. Especially in the IM group of apps. 

    Tumblr? 

    It's actually fine for Apple to not want to offer this or that. The reasoning behind the decision isn't even necessary. In that sense the 'it's their store...' line is OK. 

    The root problem for me is that no mention of App Store limitations is made prior to purchase (or of any of the other limitations for that matter) and that Apple doesn't allow other stores to even exist.

    That has changed now at least in the EU. 
    Yes, it's so great that the EU is solidly behind the exploitation and objectivization of women.
    watto_cobratiredskillsmacgui
     2Likes 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 17 of 33
    mrstepmrstep Posts: 526member
    avon b7 said:
    AppleInsider said:

    Apple draws a clear line in the sand that it would never allow such an app on the App Store. While it is true you'll never find an app for PornHub in the App Store, there are plenty of popular apps filled with explicit, pornographic, or otherwise adult material all over the App Store.

    The statement is even more bewildering given that Safari enables easy access to porn from the jump unless specific steps are taken to block the content. If the device is owned by a minor, certain filters are automatically in place, but even those aren't enough.
    Serious question: what apps can I download from the App Store that are “filled with” pornographic material?

    Also, it isn’t bewildering at all that Apple doesn’t want to carry porn apps in the store that carries Apple’s name and is associated with Apple. I seem to recall some Apple executive even making a comment about how things are accessible in Safari that aren’t in the App Store because Safari allows full access to the internet. Maybe I’m conflating things but that’s what I recall. 
    That's fair comment but I suppose there are plenty of apps that allow users to see and share porn. Especially in the IM group of apps. 

    Tumblr? 

    It's actually fine for Apple to not want to offer this or that. The reasoning behind the decision isn't even necessary. In that sense the 'it's their store...' line is OK. 

    The root problem for me is that no mention of App Store limitations is made prior to purchase (or of any of the other limitations for that matter) and that Apple doesn't allow other stores to even exist.

    That has changed now at least in the EU. 
    Yes, it's so great that the EU is solidly behind the exploitation and objectivization of women.
    You mean empowerment! (This is a schizophrenic issue for society in general.)
    beowulfschmidt
     1Like 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 18 of 33
    anonymouseanonymouse Posts: 7,018member
    mrstep said:
    avon b7 said:
    AppleInsider said:

    Apple draws a clear line in the sand that it would never allow such an app on the App Store. While it is true you'll never find an app for PornHub in the App Store, there are plenty of popular apps filled with explicit, pornographic, or otherwise adult material all over the App Store.

    The statement is even more bewildering given that Safari enables easy access to porn from the jump unless specific steps are taken to block the content. If the device is owned by a minor, certain filters are automatically in place, but even those aren't enough.
    Serious question: what apps can I download from the App Store that are “filled with” pornographic material?

    Also, it isn’t bewildering at all that Apple doesn’t want to carry porn apps in the store that carries Apple’s name and is associated with Apple. I seem to recall some Apple executive even making a comment about how things are accessible in Safari that aren’t in the App Store because Safari allows full access to the internet. Maybe I’m conflating things but that’s what I recall. 
    That's fair comment but I suppose there are plenty of apps that allow users to see and share porn. Especially in the IM group of apps. 

    Tumblr? 

    It's actually fine for Apple to not want to offer this or that. The reasoning behind the decision isn't even necessary. In that sense the 'it's their store...' line is OK. 

    The root problem for me is that no mention of App Store limitations is made prior to purchase (or of any of the other limitations for that matter) and that Apple doesn't allow other stores to even exist.

    That has changed now at least in the EU. 
    Yes, it's so great that the EU is solidly behind the exploitation and objectivization of women.
    You mean empowerment! (This is a schizophrenic issue for society in general.)
    The porn industry doesn't "empower" anyone but the exploiters, so, sure, the EU has empowered them.
    williamlondonwatto_cobra
     1Like 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 19 of 33
    avon b7avon b7 Posts: 8,103member
    avon b7 said:
    AppleInsider said:

    Apple draws a clear line in the sand that it would never allow such an app on the App Store. While it is true you'll never find an app for PornHub in the App Store, there are plenty of popular apps filled with explicit, pornographic, or otherwise adult material all over the App Store.

    The statement is even more bewildering given that Safari enables easy access to porn from the jump unless specific steps are taken to block the content. If the device is owned by a minor, certain filters are automatically in place, but even those aren't enough.
    Serious question: what apps can I download from the App Store that are “filled with” pornographic material?

    Also, it isn’t bewildering at all that Apple doesn’t want to carry porn apps in the store that carries Apple’s name and is associated with Apple. I seem to recall some Apple executive even making a comment about how things are accessible in Safari that aren’t in the App Store because Safari allows full access to the internet. Maybe I’m conflating things but that’s what I recall. 
    That's fair comment but I suppose there are plenty of apps that allow users to see and share porn. Especially in the IM group of apps. 

    Tumblr? 

    It's actually fine for Apple to not want to offer this or that. The reasoning behind the decision isn't even necessary. In that sense the 'it's their store...' line is OK. 

    The root problem for me is that no mention of App Store limitations is made prior to purchase (or of any of the other limitations for that matter) and that Apple doesn't allow other stores to even exist.

    That has changed now at least in the EU. 
    Yes, it's so great that the EU is solidly behind the exploitation and objectivization of women.
    How did you reach that conclusion? 
    watto_cobra
     0Likes 1Dislike 0Informatives
  • Reply 20 of 33
    We needed this editorial to know how to feel about porn, browsers, and dating apps?
    williamlondonwatto_cobra
     1Like 1Dislike 0Informatives
Sign In or Register to comment.