Isn’t life just easier when there’s an app for everything? Just tap a little icon and boom — you’re right where you want to be. Honestly, there’s an app for pretty much everything these days, way more than our 2000s selves could’ve imagined.?
But there was just this one thing missing from the app world. Yep, you guessed it — adult content. Now that gap’s been filled, and it’s definitely raising some serious concerns.
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The first-ever p*rn app arrives on iPhones
So, Apple’s sent out an official warning because people are now downloading the first-ever p*rn app on their iPhones — a move that’s stirring up more worry than excitement.
Why Apple users can’t find the app
If you’re in the UK, don’t bother searching — you won’t find it. This new p**n app is only available in the EU for now, which might be a relief to some.
Apple’s long-standing ban on p*rnographic content
Kind of wild that this is even a thing, considering Apple’s been super strict about banning any ‘overtly s*xual or p*rnographic material’ from the App Store — and for good reason.
How changes in the EU made this possible
But here’s the catch: it’s not actually on the App Store. Thanks to some rule changes in the EU, independent app stores are now a thing, and they’ve got their own take on what’s okay and what’s not. Which, honestly, opens the door to a lot of questionable content.
Meet AltStore PAL, the app’s new home
Enter AltStore PAL. This is where the first p**n app, Hot Tub, popped up on February 3. It’s an ad-free ‘adult content browser,’ and somehow, it passed Apple’s checks for fraud, security risks, and functionality — though that doesn’t mean it’s risk-free.
What Hot Tub offers to its users
With Hot Tub, users can watch videos from sites like P*rnhub and XH*mster. Simple as that. But just because you can, doesn’t mean you should, right?
Apple’s official stance on the new app
Apple’s not happy about this. They’ve always been against having p*rn on their devices, and normally, they wouldn’t approve something like this. But because it’s through an independent app store, Apple doesn’t get the final say. And yeah, they’re definitely speaking out about it, which says a lot.
Apple expresses concerns over user safety
Apple said in a statement to Forbes: “We are deeply concerned about the safety risks that h******e p*rn 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.”
Clarifying misconceptions about Apple’s approval
“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.”
The debate around ethical design and app distribution
Apple also pointed out that AltStore is backed by Epic Games. Their CEO, Tim Sweeney, even posted on X saying, “the Epic Games Store doesn’t carry this app, doesn’t carry any p*rn apps, and has never carried p*rn apps.”
But the developer of Hot Tub, Riley Testut, describes it as “an elegant, native p**n app” that’s “thoughtfully designed” and “ethically made.” Though, let’s be honest, the term “ethically made” feels a bit stretched here, considering the broader implications.
So, while tech keeps pushing boundaries, not every new app is a step forward. Sometimes, it’s more of a caution sign than a cool update.
Last Updated on February 9, 2025 by Reem Haqqi
