Apple issues official warning as first porn app is launched on iPhones

Everything’s just so much easier when there’s an app for it. Clicking on a little icon and getting straight where you want to be without searching for it online, is our lazy brains’ dream.

I mean, there’s pretty much an app for everything now, almost to an extent our 2000s selves probably couldn’t have imagined. Except until now, there’s been one big thing in particular that there’s not been an app for. Porn, of course.

And Apple has now launched an official warning as people start downloading the first ever porn app onto their devices.

UK Apple users won't be able to find it. (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

It might come as a surprise that the content is now accessible, given the tech company has been pretty consistent in not allowing any pornography on the App Store with a ban on ‘overtly sexual or pornographic material’.

But it’s not on the actual App Store. This is because of changes in the EU that means independent app stores are now possible, with their own views on what’s allowed.

Which also means it’s unlucky for Brits, as it’s only over in the EU where the porn app been launched on iPhones.

AltStore PAL has become the home to this first porn app, Hot Tub which landed yesterday (3 February). It’s described as an ad-free ‘adult content browser’ and has apparently made its way through Apple’s notarisation review for fraud, security threats and functionality.

Hot Tub is said to allow users to play videos from sites like Pornhub and XHamster.

Apple has a strong stance against pornography being available on its devices like this and would typically not approve the app, but that's where the independent app stores come into play. And it's meant the tech giant has spoken out against it being available.

Hot Tub has landed in the EU. (AltStore PAL)

Apple said in a statement to Forbes: “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.”

So, basically, had this app came through Apple’s official App Store, it absolutely would not have been approved.

Apple included in its statement that AltStore is funded by Epic Games and the CEO of that, Tim Sweeney, has since said on X that 'the Epic Games Store doesn't carry this app, doesn't carry any porn apps, and has never carried porn apps'. However, Hot Tub's developer Riley Testut calls it 'an elegant, native porn app' that's 'thoughtfully designed' and 'ethically made'.