The European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) has paved the way for the launch of a native pornography app on iOS, marking a significant shift in Apple's app store policies. The app, called Hot Tub, is an aggregator of adult content and is available on AltStore PAL, an alternative app store that operates in the EU.

Hot Tub 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 iOS apps through alternative marketplaces in the EU, bypassing Apple's strict App Store Guidelines.

AltStore, the publisher of Hot Tub, claims that the app is the first to go through Apple's Notarization process, which ensures that apps meet "baseline platform integrity standards." However, Apple warns that alternative app stores can opt to publish unrated apps that may include content such as pornography, drug and alcohol use, weapons, hate speech, and more.

Despite the nature of the content, AltStore developer Riley Testut stated that the company did not encounter any issues during the approval process. This is likely due to Apple's recognition of the DMA's requirements, which include allowing apps that may have been previously prohibited.

In a show of support for the LGBTQ+ community, AltStore has announced that it will donate its Patreon earnings to causes supporting sex workers and others during February, including The Trevor Project and Red Umbrella Fund. The company cited the need to "fight back against recent harmful policies by politicians, Meta, and others."

The Hot Tub app was developed by independent developer c1d3r, who was previously active in the jailbreak scene. The app markets itself as a native alternative to porn websites, offering features such as ad-free browsing, 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 marks a significant shift in Apple's app store policies, highlighting the impact of the EU's Digital Markets Act on the tech industry. As alternative app stores continue to emerge, it will be interesting to see how Apple and other tech giants adapt to the changing regulatory landscape.

In the broader context, the DMA's influence on the tech industry extends beyond the launch of a single app. The legislation's emphasis on promoting competition and innovation in the digital market is likely to have far-reaching implications for app developers, publishers, and users alike.