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 also challenged. Sideloading allows users to install apps directly onto their iPhones, bypassing the App Store, similar to how Android users install APKs.
Apple plans to appeal the decision. The company's long-standing opposition to sideloading stems from its focus on user privacy, a key argument used against sideloading and third-party app stores. This argument gained prominence after Epic Games' lawsuit against Apple in 2018, highlighting concerns about Apple's control over its ecosystem. Apple's App Tracking Transparency (ATT) changes in 2022, while presented as a privacy enhancement, also faced regulatory scrutiny for exempting Apple itself.
Despite its privacy arguments, Apple's resistance to sideloading is facing increasing pressure globally. Countries like Vietnam and the European Union are pushing for greater app store openness, signaling a potential shift away from Apple's tightly controlled ecosystem. The future of Apple's walled garden approach appears increasingly uncertain.
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