Apple said in a statement that it does not endorse "HotTub" pornographic apps released on iPhones in EU countries using other app distribution methods. In addition, Apple also expressed concerns about the user security risks that pornographic apps may pose, saying that such apps undermine consumer trust in its ecosystem.
We are deeply concerned about the safety risks this type of hardcore pornographic apps pose to EU users, especially children. This app and others like it will undermine consumer trust and confidence in our ecosystem, which we have worked hard to make the best in the world for more than a decade. Contrary to the false claims of market developers, we certainly do not endorse this app and will never make it available on our app store. The fact is that, as required by the European Commission, we must allow marketplace operators such as AltStore and Epic to distribute the app, and they may not share our concerns about user safety.
Apple's announcement refers to the first native iOS porn app, which will be available through the AltStore, an alternative app market in the European Union. Under the Digital Markets Act, Apple must allow app markets to be established in the EU, and Apple has little control over the types of apps released through the market.
In its marketing campaign for the app, AltStore calls HotTub "the first Apple-approved porn app," a wording that Apple disputes. While all apps published outside the EU AppStore must go through Apple's notarization process, the process only checks for malware, fraud, and other serious issues. Notarization does not restrict content, and apps sideloaded on iPhones in the EU may contain pornography, drugs and alcohol, hate speech, and other content not allowed by AppStore regulations.
Apple's notarization guidelines actually prohibit apps from implying that Apple "endorses" "any specific statement regarding quality or functionality" of any EU app or app marketplace, so the AltStore appears to be in violation of Apple's notarization rules.
The reason Apple wants to make it clear that HotTub porn apps are available is because the European Commission has forced Apple to allow AltStore and other alternative app markets to exist in the EU, despite Apple's repeated warnings that DMA will expose consumers to objectionable, harmful and illegal content.
Apple said it raised concerns about the upcoming porn app in December but the European Commission did not take action to block its release.
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