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Apple long fought allowing 'side loading' of iPhone apps from online shops others than the App Store, but made a concession in Europe due to landmark digital law there Image: AFP
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Apple blasts porn app for iPhones in Europe

10 Comments
By Glenn CHAPMAN

Apple on Monday called a pornography app available for iPhones in the European Union a danger to children, saying landmark digital rules there allowed it to get on to its handsets via an alternative to its App Store.

Apple had long fiercely protected the App Store as the lone gateway for digital content to get onto its popular mobile devices.

But the company loosened its grip in Europe last year, after the EU said the terms prevented app developers from freely steering consumers to alternative ways to pay, and began allowing users to use other stores to purchase apps.

The App Store does not allow porn -- but the Hot Tub app is offered on AltStore PAL, one such alternative marketplace.

AltStore billed Hot Tub as "the first Apple-approved porn app" in a post Monday on social platform X.

The app made it through an Apple review process for security and functionality.

"We are deeply concerned about the safety risks that hardcore porn apps of this type create for EU users, especially kids," Apple said when asked about the app by AFP.

"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."

Apple last year became the first ever tech firm to face accusations of breaching a new EU law known as the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

It promised changes to comply with the DMA -- including allowing developers in the EU to use alternative app marketplaces.

AltStore PAL launched early last year as an App Store alternative in the EU, according to a blog post by its creator, Riley Testut.

"All apps are welcome, but I believe AltStore makes the most sense for smaller, indie apps that otherwise couldn't exist due to App Store rules," Testut said in the blog post. "We think iOS as a whole could benefit greatly from giving developers a chance to fully explore their ideas without arbitrary restrictions."

AltStore PAL initially charged users subscriptions of $1.55 (1.50 euros) annually to cover fees charged by Apple, but access became free in August after it received a grant from Epic Games, it said in a post on X.

Epic Games, the maker of the popular Fortnite game, has battled Apple in the courts to break its hold on the App Store.

Epic and the European Commission did not immediately respond to a queries from AFP.

"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," Apple said of Hot Tub.

Apple said that it shared concerns about the app with the European Commission in December.

Apple has long argued that allowing "sideloading" of apps onto iPhones or iPads from places other that the App Store brings with it the risk of deceptive, dangerous and dubious digital content.

© 2025 AFP

©2025 GPlusMedia Inc.

10 Comments
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brings with it the risk of deceptive, dangerous and dubious digital content.

And Apple gods are the best people to moderate morality.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Apple blasts porn app for iPhones in Europe

It just shows what kind appetite has been waited by European user, nothing else but porn.

-10 ( +0 / -10 )

As if people don't know how to just google boobs. BUT WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN. Maybe police your own children?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

The EU is incompetent {period}. Apple even more so for not fight the EU to protect Apple consumers.

Third party app store is nothing compared to the USB C debacle. Numerous reports of devices blowing up because people think their USB C laptop charger (20V) will charge all USB C devices (most 5V).

Already happened in one Centurion Lounge that I know of, airlines will soon ban some portable power pack, because they don't know if it's incorrectly charged before boarding.

Apple, grow a set and fight back the EU morons.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

As long as AltStore PAL properly vets who has access to pr0n, it's not Apple's responsibility to say who has access to it in the EU

R-rated movies can be a danger to children (that's why it needs adult permission) - but that's not Apple's responsibility neither

Third party app store is nothing compared to the USB C debacle. Numerous reports of devices blowing up because people think their USB C laptop charger (20V) will charge all USB C devices (most 5V).

All PROPER USB-C laptop chargers (20V) WILL charge all USB-C devices (most 5V)

People are just too stupid in buying any cheapest chargers out of China, instead of making sure if it's from a reliable source

The more powerful the device, the more ya should make sure it's reliable! It's one thing to buy any 12W USB-C charger for your phone; it's another thing to buy a 65W USB-C charger - make sure it's from a reliable source!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

All PROPER USB-C laptop chargers (20V) WILL charge all USB-C devices (most 5V)

Not All, only ones after PD spec ratified. Even after PD ratification, Chinese are still selling old stock, NOW. Some people choose to burn their plane down with a $20 charger than $120 for OEM compliant charger.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Whatever stupidity the EU is doing, it's up to users or their parents to only download from the Apple App Store.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

All PROPER USB-C laptop chargers (20V) WILL charge all USB-C devices (most 5V)

Not All, only ones after PD spec ratified. Even after PD ratification, Chinese are still selling old stock, NOW. Some people choose to burn their plane down with a $20 charger than $120 for OEM compliant charger.

Well, yes, all proper USB-C charger has to be power-delivery certified

I don't understand people who would spend a lot of money on a device, then take a chance on destroying it by cheapening out on dodgy chargers

Whatever stupidity the EU is doing, it's up to users or their parents to only download from the Apple App Store.

It's no different than with computers - it's up to the user to be careful what they install on their computers. Just use the same caution ya use on computers to use on your smartphones

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Just use the same caution ya use on computers to use on your smartphones

Yes sure, caution is always good, but the reason Apple developed Lightning was to save people's lives, people who try to save $10 buying a dodgy Chinese charger. The same people who now try to save $30 with more dodgy Chinese charger, AND who thinks one dodgy USB C charger is all they need to pack when travelling.

The EU doesn't even its own CE mark let alone care for people.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Yes sure, caution is always good, but the reason Apple developed Lightning was to save people's lives, people who try to save $10 buying a dodgy Chinese charger. The same people who now try to save $30 with more dodgy Chinese charger, AND who thinks one dodgy USB C charger is all they need to pack when travelling.

There are dodgy Lightning chargers as well. Not every manufacturer follows Apple MFi programme

The reliability of the source is more important than what the technology is. Any tech can be dodgy depending on the source. Always consider the source

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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