Apple

Apple has “approved” a porn app for the iPhone, sort of – Domus IT


“We are deeply concerned about the safety risks that hardcore porn apps of this type create for EU users, especially kids,” said Apple in an official statement. “This app and others like it will undermine consumer trust and confidence in our ecosystem that we have worked for more than a decade to make the best in the world. Contrary to the false statements made by the marketplace developer, we certainly do not approve of this app and would never offer it in our App Store. The truth is that we are required by the European Commission to allow it to be distributed by marketplace operators like AltStore and Epic who may not share our concerns for user safety.”

AltStore PAL is the iPhone’s first and most popular alternative App Store. Launched just under a year ago following the impositions of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, the store is populated with apps that do not comply with the official App Store rules, such as console emulators and iPhone clipboard management tools.

Epic CEO Tim Sweeney commented positively on HotTub’s availability in a post on X. Epic, the company that develops Fornite, has been challenging what it calls Apple’s “monopoly” on the App Store for a few years.

“When Apple is allowed to act as a gatekeeper for competitors’ apps and other stores, the company abuses this power to harm competitors,” Sweeney said.

In 2021, Apple won a major legal battle against Epic with a ruling that prevented the imposition of “sideloading” of apps on iPhones, that is, the ability to install apps outside the App Store. Sweeney’s company took partial revenge last year when the European Union’s Digital Market Acts mandated exactly that, much to Apple’s chagrin. Sideloading, however, continues to be disallowed in all other countries around the world where the App Store is available.

In August 2024, Epic launched its own alternative store through which European users can return to downloading Fortnite on their iPhones. The company also funded AltStore PAL through a “megagrant” to aid its development and popularity. Sweeney maintained, however, that he does not approve of the distribution of pornographic apps and that the Epic Store will not host HotTub or similar apps in the future.





READ SOURCE

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.