Apple does not approve pornographic app "Hot Tub" in the EU

Apple is opposed to the pornographic app "Hot Tub", which appeared for iPhones in the EU via other app download platforms.

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In an official statement to MacRumors, the company noted that it does not support this application and expresses concern about possible risks to the safety of users, especially children. According to Apple, such apps undermine trust in the Apple ecosystem.

Apple said that in accordance with the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA), the company is forced to allow the downloading of applications through platforms such as AltStore and Epic Games. However, these platforms do not always comply with Apple's security standards. The Hot Tub app was the first pornographic iOS app available through the AltStore, which violates the App Store's policy of not allowing pornography.

The AltStore advert called the app "the first Apple-approved pornographic app", which caused outrage in the company. Apple stressed that while apps that enter through other platforms are checked for malware, the App Store's rules prohibit pornographic content, drugs, violence, and hate speech.

Apple also notes that the European Commission has forced the company to allow such platforms to exist, despite warnings about the danger to users. Following Apple's statement, Epic Games clarified that it does not offer the Hot Tub app or other pornographic apps through the Epic Games Store in the EU, although the AltStore has received a grant to distribute such apps for free.

Source: MacRumors