The first "approved" porn app for iPhone is finally coming to Europe, marking a significant shift in Apple's strict app store policies. Hot Tub, an ad-free "adult content browser," has made it through Apple's notarization review for fraud, security threats, and functionality, and will be available for download on AltStore PAL's alternative iOS app marketplace starting today.

This development is a direct result of the EU's Digital Markets Act, which grants iPhone users within the bloc greater freedom to install other apps. Apple's own iOS store bans "overtly sexual or pornographic material," a policy that has been in place since the early days of the App Store. In fact, Steve Jobs once famously replied to a customer email questioning App Store policing, saying that Apple has "a moral responsibility to keep porn off the iPhone," and suggested that people looking for such apps should "buy an Android phone."

AltStore PAL, one of the first alternative iOS app marketplaces to launch in Europe, has been at the forefront of this shift. The platform, which went live in April 2024, has grown to include a range of utilities and apps, including game emulators, torrenting software, and even titles like Fortnite from Epic Games. The launch of Hot Tub on AltStore PAL marks a significant milestone in the platform's growth and expansion.

In a statement, AltStore PAL developer Riley Testut announced that the platform will donate all of its Patreon earnings for February "to causes supporting sex workers and those in the LGBTQ+ community." This move is seen as a response to recent harmful policies by politicians, Meta, and others, which have targeted marginalized groups. Testut specifically cited Meta's Hateful Conduct policy changes, which will remove protections for LGBTQ people, women, immigrants, and other marginalized groups on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

The launch of Hot Tub on AltStore PAL has significant implications for the tech industry and users alike. It marks a shift towards greater freedom and flexibility in the app ecosystem, and raises questions about the role of tech companies in regulating online content. As the EU's Digital Markets Act continues to shape the tech landscape, it will be interesting to see how other companies respond to this new reality.

In conclusion, the launch of Hot Tub on AltStore PAL is a significant development that highlights the evolving nature of the tech industry. As users increasingly demand greater freedom and flexibility in their online experiences, companies like AltStore PAL are stepping up to meet that demand. Whether this marks a permanent shift in Apple's app store policies remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the tech landscape is changing, and it's changing fast.