A Brazilian court has ordered Apple to allow sideloading on iOS devices within 90 days. This follows similar rulings in other countries, and while Apple plans to appeal, they've already been forced to comply elsewhere. 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 theme. This resistance intensified after Epic Games' lawsuit in 2018 highlighted the company's control over its ecosystem. Apple’s argument centers on user privacy, a point they've consistently used to defend against sideloading and third-party app stores. This even extended to their 2022 App Tracking Transparency (ATT) changes, which impacted advertising and user profiling—changes that have themselves drawn regulatory scrutiny due to Apple’s exemption from similar requirements.
Despite its privacy focus, Apple faces increasing pressure. The Brazilian ruling, along with similar actions in Vietnam and the EU, suggests Apple's traditionally closed ecosystem is facing significant challenges. The company’s efforts to maintain its walled garden appear to be increasingly unsuccessful.
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