The European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) has opened the door for a native pornography app on iOS, with the launch of Hot Tub on alternative app store AltStore PAL. This marks a significant shift in the app ecosystem, as developers can now release iPhone and iPad apps through alternative marketplaces in the EU, bypassing Apple's App Store Guidelines.

Hot Tub, developed by independent developer c1d3r, is an aggregator app that allows users to search and play videos from various adult websites, including Pornhub, Xvideos, XNXX, and XHamster. While it has always been possible to access porn websites through the iPhone's web browser, the DMA enables app developers to release native iOS apps that would otherwise violate Apple's guidelines.

AltStore PAL, the alternative app store behind Hot Tub, claims that the app is the first to go through Apple's Notarization process, meeting the "baseline platform integrity standards" required for distribution on the iPhone. Notably, Apple has used pornography as an example of the kind of app they must allow under the DMA, which may have contributed to the app's smooth approval process.

In a move to give back to the community, AltStore developer Riley Testut announced that the company will donate its Patreon earnings to causes supporting sex workers and others in the LGBTQ+ community during February, including The Trevor Project and Red Umbrella Fund. This initiative aims to counter recent harmful policies by politicians, Meta, and others.

Hot Tub itself promises to offer a native alternative to porn websites, protecting users from ads, trackers, and spammy pop-ups. The app features built-in search, gestures, customizable controls, and subscriber-only features like advanced search, filtering, and categories across multiple networks.

The launch of Hot Tub on AltStore PAL raises questions about the implications of the DMA on the app ecosystem. As alternative app stores gain traction, developers may increasingly turn to these platforms to release apps that would otherwise be rejected by Apple's App Store Guidelines. This could lead to a more diverse range of apps available to EU users, but also raises concerns about the potential for unrated or harmful content to slip through the cracks.

As the tech industry continues to navigate the complexities of the DMA, one thing is clear: the launch of Hot Tub on AltStore PAL marks a significant shift in the balance of power between Apple and alternative app stores. With the EU paving the way for more open and competitive app ecosystems, it will be interesting to see how this development unfolds in the coming months.