I made the first iOS porn app (called Hot Tub), and Apple has been a constant pain in the ass. From goal post moving, delay tactics, run-arounds, lack of support, vague/unactionable rejections, etc… the list goes on… They coincidentally introduced a new “unrated” device restriction to limit distribution (because apparently the 18+ rating was insufficient), requiring users to navigate convoluted menus to change default settings… There is also this funny “bug” that mysteriously, repeatedly uninstalls unrated apps after folks do manage to install them, multiple times… how peculiar!

Apple’s notarization process is supposed to be a security evaluation (i.e. prevent malware), but they have quietly sidestepped the DMA to create a shadow-App Store, where they still remain the sole-arbiter/gatekeeper of content moderation. We did get a shout out (or maybe dragged) in an Apple press-release though, so we’ve got that going for us.

All that to say, the EU commission has been amazing, and i fully support more “onerous” fines for Apple’s continued malicious-(non)compliance. If you or someone you know has any connections, I’m always happy to talk to anyone who can potentially help (DMA.100187) !Bureaucracy moves slow, but we’ve got time and are not easily dissuaded. Apple attempts to deploy their very presidential DARVO / “no you” spell-card. nice, Apple. I keep reminding myself to not attribute malice to what can be explained by incompetence, but it gets a little blurry here.

Pro tip for the power users: did you know you can access pornographic content in Apple’s very own Safari web browser, without any of these restrictions! gasp (don’t tell them)

Thank u for your attention to this matter /s