Apple has always been quite strict about the kinds of apps it allows on iPhones. One thing the company was always sure of was that it would never allow a porn app on its platform. However, things are not the same anymore because of the European Union’s new law.
The new law now forces Apple to allow third-party app stores, and one of them, AltStore PAL, has approved the first native porn app for iPhones. Called Hot Tub, this app lets users search and watch videos from popular adult sites without dealing with annoying ads or pop-ups. Apple isn’t happy about it, but under the new rules, they can’t stop it. Here’s everything you need to know about Hot Tub and why is everyone talking about it.
What is Hot Tub?
Hot Tub is a new porn app available for iPhones through an alternative app store in the EU. It allows users to search and watch videos from popular adult sites like Pornhub, Xvideos, XNXX, and XHamster. Unlike before, when Apple strictly banned such apps, a new law now makes this possible.
Who is behind it?
The app was created by an independent developer known as c1d3r, who was previously active in the iPhone jailbreaking scene. It is being distributed through AltStore PAL, an alternative app store run by Riley Testut. AltStore is also backed by Epic Games, the company that sued Apple over app store restrictions.
Where is it available?
Right now, Hot Tub is only available in the European Union. This is due to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a new EU law that forces Apple to allow third-party app stores on iPhones and iPads. Without this law, Apple would not have permitted the app.
Apple, however, isn’t happy about this and has released a statement saying they are worried about safety risks, especially for children. They also claim that alternative app stores might approve apps that contain harmful content. However, Apple has no choice but to allow these apps under the new EU rules.
For now, Hot Tub is an EU-only app, but this could be just the start of big changes in how apps are distributed on iPhones.
According to a report by 9to5Mac, Apple has released a statement on the app. Apple has provided a statement, specifically regarding the dishonest endorsement.
“We are deeply concerned about the safety risks that hardcore porn apps of this type create for EU users, especially kids,” Apple says. “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.”
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