A dedicated pornography app is now available on iPhone. Known as Hot Tub, the porn search engine is the first native porn app that can be installed on iPhone and is currently available in the European Union.

Concerned about safety of kids

‘We are deeply concerned about the safety risks that hardcore porn apps of this type create for EU users, especially kids,’ Apple told AFP when asked about the app.
Apple does not allow porn. The Hot Tub app is offered on AltStore PAL, an App store alternative in the EU. ‘The first Apple-approved porn app,’ AltStore posted on social platform X on Monday.
“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 told the media.
Apple had staunchly defended the App Store as the exclusive route for digital content to reach its widely used mobile devices. However, the company eased its control in Europe last year after the EU ruled that its terms restricted app developers from freely directing consumers to alternative payment methods, leading Apple to permit users to access other stores for app purchases.

How can parents make phones safer for their kids?

With the increasing accessibility of smartphones, ensuring children’s safety from inappropriate content, including porn apps, is a top priority for parents. Here are some effective steps to safeguard their devices:
Most smartphones have built-in parental controls. On iPhones, use Screen Time to restrict explicit content, app downloads, and web access.
Activate Google SafeSearch and enable content filtering in browsers. Many internet providers and mobile carriers offer filtering services to block adult content at the network level.
Limit app downloads by setting up parental approvals in the App Store (iOS) or alternative stores. This prevents children from installing inappropriate apps without permission.
Have open discussions about online dangers, responsible internet use, and the risks of explicit content. Encourage kids to report anything that makes them uncomfortable.
Apple has consistently maintained that permitting the ‘sideloading’ of apps onto iPhones or iPads from sources outside the App Store poses a risk of exposing users to deceptive, harmful, and unreliable digital content.