Apple Forced to Allow Sideloading in Brazil

A Brazilian court has ordered Apple to allow sideloading on iOS devices within 90 days. This follows similar rulings in other countries, which Apple has complied with, though they plan to appeal this latest decision. Sideloading allows users to install apps directly onto their iPhones, bypassing the App Store—a feature long available to Android users via APKs.

Apple's staunch opposition to sideloading, citing privacy concerns, has been a consistent point of contention. This resistance intensified after Epic Games' lawsuit five years ago, which highlighted Apple's control over its ecosystem. Apple’s argument centers on user privacy, a key justification for its restrictions on sideloading and third-party app stores. This argument was further amplified in 2022 with the introduction of App Tracking Transparency (ATT), which impacted advertising and user profiling, leading to regulatory scrutiny and exemptions for Apple itself.

Despite its privacy arguments, Apple's resistance to sideloading is increasingly facing challenges. With rulings in Brazil, Vietnam, and the EU, Apple’s walled garden approach is crumbling. The company’s appeal of the Brazilian court order remains to be seen.

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