Brazil becomes the latest country to force Apple to allow sideloading

A Brazilian court has ordered Apple to allow sideloading on iOS devices within 90 days. This follows similar rulings in other countries, and Apple plans to appeal. 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 longstanding opposition to sideloading, citing privacy concerns, has been challenged repeatedly. The Epic Games lawsuit, filed over five years ago, significantly amplified these concerns. Apple's App Tracking Transparency (ATT) changes in 2022, while framed as privacy-enhancing, also faced regulatory scrutiny for exempting Apple itself.

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Despite Apple's privacy arguments, its resistance to sideloading, third-party app stores, and other changes is increasingly facing setbacks. Countries like Vietnam and the EU are pushing for greater openness, signaling a potential shift in Apple's approach. While Apple will likely appeal this latest ruling, the trend suggests a weakening of its control over its walled garden.

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