What first ever iPhone porn app does and what it looks like as Apple issues rare warning
A host of iPhone users are now able to download a porn app directly to their devices - but Apple aren't very happy about it.
Although a lot of people will be over the moon that it's now even easier to access X-rated videos, bigwigs at the tech firm have made it clear they 'do not approve' of it.
The app, called Hot Tub, became available to European users on Monday (3 January), but Brits will miss out on it due to that little thing called Brexit.
So, as well as being bombarded with a ton of new travel rules to follow because we said goodbye to the European Union, we're also unable to download the first ever dirty app on the iPhone.
Advert
The good news is though, we can tell you exactly what you're missing over on Hot Tub.
What is Hot Tub?
Hot Tub is a new app that is described as an 'adult content browser', which is the brainchild of developer Riley Testut.
He managed to wrangle his creation onto iPhones through something of a loophole, as it is not actually available on Apple's official App Store.
However, changes in the EU mean that independent app stores are now able to set up shop too, and these lot can make their own decisions about what they deem appropriate. And apparently, porn that's accessible via an app is above board in their eyes.
Testut told Forbes it is an 'an elegant, native porn app', adding: "Thoughtfully designed, ethically made and free to use."
What does Hot Tub do?
So, what does this 'adult content browser' offer? Well, apparently, it's really not that different from simply searching some raunchy videos on the web...although it does have a few handy features.
Users are able to play videos from websites such as Pornhub or XHamster, according to the tech team behind it who claim it has 'no ads or tracking'. However, it is a bit better than the old fashioned way - with Hot Tub claiming it can provide a 'better viewing experience'.
For example, the app has skip buttons which can 'feature animations and dynamically determine durations when appropriate'.
Users can customise these settings, as well as making the most of Hot Tub's 'privacy screen' to keep what they're watching under wraps. The app also boasts a referral and reward program - although I'm sure most of it's users don't need any more encouragement to tune into adult content.
What does the app look like?
Brits can't access Hot Tub because we're in the UK, but that doesn't mean we can't have a sneak peek at what the app looks like.
It's founder, who goes by @C1d3rDev on X, has done us all a solid by giving us a bit of a tour of his creation - although the clip is heavily censored - obviously.
In a post shared back in March 2020, he wrote: "Have you tried Hot Tub yet? Hot Tub is the best way to browse adult content on a jailbroken device!"
The tweet explained that users can enjoy features such as queueing videos, having separate tabs open, and being able to favourite clips. There are also different themes for Hot Tub users to use, while the app uses Face ID/Touch ID to ensure it's kept secure.
The founder also boasted that the app had a vault for people to 'save their personal photos', as well as a 'gesture based interface'.
What have Apple said?
Apple have maintained a strong stance against pornography on iPhones since the days of Steve Jobs, as he believed Apple had a 'moral responsibility' to keep it off devices.
The company still have a ban on 'overtly sexual or pornographic material', but Hot Tub has been able to bypass this because it calls AltStore PAL home instead of the official App Store.
Still, Apple want to make it clear to iPhone users that this has nothing to do with them - and that they in no way endorse it, either.
The firm told Forbes in a statement: "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.
What did AltStore say in response?
The platform hosting Hot Tub, AltStore, hit back at Apple with a fiery statement of their own on Tuesday (4 February).
In a statement shared on social media, the app store which promises to deliver 'apps that push the boundaries of iOS' said: "Apple is claiming we made false statements about the approval of Hot Tub. This is not true. All apps distributed with AltStore PAL must be submitted to Apple for 'notarisation'.
"Unlike macOS, iOS notarisation involves a human-review process where Apple employees manually review apps before they are 'approved' or 'rejected' for distribution (in Apple's own words).
"Unfortunately, Apple has rejected several apps from our store in the past for dubious reasons, so the phrase 'Apple-approved' in our marketing is a reference to the fact that Hot Tub was approved, not rejected, by Apple for notarisation.
"To be perfectly clear, Apple has not endorsed Hot Tub in any way. However, they did approve it."
AltStore said it intends to donate some of the money earned through its Patreon to support sex workers and aid LGBTQ+ causes with charity donations.
Hot Tub's website also states: "Support Our Legal Fund. Help ensure the future of Hot Tub. Please consider donating to our legal fund. Thank you!"
The CEO of Epic Games, a firm which awarded AltStore a MegaGrant 'to cover Apple's anticompetitive Core Technology Fee', also shared a response online after Apple attempted to distance itself from the porn app.
Tim Sweeney said in a series of posts: "This isn’t how platforms should work: on Windows, Mac, and Linux, developers can make and release apps without the platform maker adding junk fees and rendering moral judgments on their decisions. On iOS, Apple forces its processes on developers against their wishes.
"We’ve argued to the European Union that Apple should be forced out of developers’ way, because when Apple are allowed to be the gatekeeper of competing apps and stores, they grossly misuse that power to disadvantage competition."
Sweeney also pointed out that Epic Games Store does not carry the app or any other porn-related ones for that matter, 'contrary to Apple's false statement'.
He then highlighted the fact that Reddit is easily available for iPhone users despite it containing adult content and having a 17+ rating on the App Store.
LADbible has contacted Apple for further comment.
Topics: Adult Industry, Technology, Apple, iPhone
Olivia Burke