EU Forces Apple to Allow Porn Apps

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) enacted by the European Union has compelled Apple to allow third-party app stores, leading to the release of the first iPhone porn app, 'Hot Tub', through AltStore PAL. This marks a significant departure from Apple's longstanding prohibition of explicit content on its App Store. Apple has expressed concerns over the safety risks posed by such apps and fears they could undermine consumer trust in its ecosystem, as the app lacks age verification mechanisms. Despite passing Apple's cybersecurity review known as 'notarization', the app's content was not approved by Apple, highlighting the limitations of its control under the new EU regulations. AltStore, backed by Epic Games, facilitates the availability of apps that deviate from Apple's strict content guidelines, showcasing a shift towards greater app marketplace competition in Europe.