LONDON — Apple has expressed concerns over a recently launched pornography application in the European Union, indicating that the region’s digital regulations, which facilitate third-party app store downloads, could erode consumer confidence in the brand.
The app in question, known as Hot Tub, is an adult content browser that has emerged through AltStore PAL, an alternative app marketplace permitted under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). This legislation mandates major technology firms to open their platforms to increased competition, which includes allowing users to download applications from sources outside the official stores maintained by Apple and Google.
AltStore PAL claimed on social media that Hot Tub is “the world’s first Apple-approved porn app.” However, Apple refuted this assertion, arguing that such availability would “undermine consumer trust and confidence” within its mobile ecosystem. The company clarified through a statement that it does not endorse this app and would never include it in its App Store offerings.
Furthermore, the company emphasized that it is mandated by the European Commission to permit the app’s distribution by other marketplace operators, such as AltStore and Epic Games, which may not align with Apple’s concerns regarding user safety.
According to Apple’s guidelines, applications available on competing marketplaces still require a certification process known as “notarization,” but developers are prohibited from implying that this indicates any official endorsement from Apple.
AltStore has received support from Epic Games, an organization that has consistently challenged Apple about app distribution protocols and transaction fees related to digital purchases. In a rebuttal to Apple’s comments, AltStore accused the company of using safety concerns as a guise to protect its monopolistic practices and avoid adherence to the DMA.
Epic Games’ CEO, Tim Sweeney, chimed in on social media, criticizing Apple by noting that on platforms like Windows, Mac, and Linux, developers are allowed to create and launch applications without facing excessive charges or moral scrutiny from the platform provider.
As mandated by the DMA, Apple has been adjusting its business strategies since the previous year, including significant modifications to its App Store policies, which now allow users in the 27 EU member states to download apps from outside its own stores.
Despite these adjustments, Apple has condemned the new regulations, citing potential risks posed to European consumers from undesirable services, including those related to pornography and illegal substances, which the App Store has traditionally prohibited.
In its latest communiqué, Apple reiterated its strong concerns regarding the safety ramifications of these explicit content applications for EU users, particularly minors.
The European Commission, which serves as the executive arm of the EU, has yet to provide any comments regarding the ongoing situation.
