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, which Apple has already been forced to comply 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, a position maintained for years, stems from its stated commitment to user privacy. This argument has been central to its resistance to sideloading and third-party app stores. The Epic Games lawsuit, filed over five years ago, significantly highlighted Apple's control over its ecosystem and fueled the debate. Apple's 2022 App Tracking Transparency (ATT) changes, while presented as a privacy enhancement, also drew regulatory scrutiny due to exemptions granted to Apple itself.

Despite its privacy arguments, Apple is increasingly facing pressure to open its ecosystem. Recent rulings in Vietnam and the broader European Union suggest that Apple's resistance to sideloading, third-party app stores, and other changes may be weakening. The future looks less walled-garden-like for Apple.

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