A native pornography app for iOS has officially launched in the EU, made possible by the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The app, called Hot Tub, is available via AltStore PAL, an alternative app marketplace that bypasses Apple’s traditional App Store restrictions.
What is Hot Tub?
Hot Tub is an aggregator app that allows iPhone users to search and play videos from multiple adult websites, including Pornhub, Xvideos, XNXX, and XHamster. While users have always been able to access porn websites through Safari or other browsers, Apple’s strict App Store guidelines have historically prevented the release of native porn apps.
With the DMA now in effect, alternative app stores in the EU can approve apps that Apple would normally reject, including those featuring adult content.
Apple’s Notarization Process and Alternative App Stores
Apple still requires apps from alternative stores to go through a Notarization process, which ensures a basic level of security and integrity. However, Apple warns that these marketplaces can choose to publish unrated apps, which may include content related to:
- Pornography
- Drugs and alcohol
- Weapons
- Hate speech
According to AltStore developer Riley Testut, Hot Tub is the first app of its kind to pass Apple’s Notarization process for iPhone distribution. The app approval process went smoothly, likely because Apple has frequently cited pornography as an example of the content it must now allow under the DMA.
Hot Tub’s Features and Developer Background
The Hot Tub app was developed by c1d3r, an independent developer previously active in the jailbreaking community. The app markets itself as a native, ad-free alternative to porn websites, protecting users from:
- Ads and trackers
- Spammy pop-ups
- Third-party cookies
Hot Tub also includes:
✅ Built-in search functionality
✅ Gesture-based controls
✅ Customizable user settings
✅ Subscriber-only features (advanced search, filtering, and content categories)
AltStore’s Response to Apple and Philanthropic Efforts
AltStore has committed to donating its Patreon earnings in February to organizations supporting sex workers and LGBTQ+ causes, including:
- The Trevor Project
- Red Umbrella Fund
AltStore stated that this move is a response to restrictive policies from politicians, Meta, and other platforms, encouraging others to support these causes as well.
Apple’s Reaction and Epic Games Connection
Apple took issue with AltStore marketing the app as “Apple approved,” emphasizing that alternative app store apps do not go through its App Review process.
Additionally, AltStore is backed by Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite that previously sued Apple over antitrust violations. In response, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney clarified that the Epic Games Store does not host porn apps, including Hot Tub.
Final Thoughts
Hot Tub marks a major shift in iOS app availability under the EU’s new digital regulations. While alternative app stores are still subject to Apple’s security requirements, the DMA now gives developers the freedom to distribute content that Apple previously banned.
Whether this opens the door for more controversial app categories in the future remains to be
