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 staunch opposition to sideloading, citing privacy concerns, has been a recurring theme. This resistance intensified after Epic Games' lawsuit five years ago, highlighting Apple's control over its ecosystem. Apple's argument centers on user privacy, a point also raised regarding third-party app stores and its 2022 App Tracking Transparency (ATT) changes. These ATT changes, while presented as privacy-enhancing, have also faced regulatory scrutiny due to exemptions granted to Apple itself.
Despite Apple's privacy arguments, the tide seems to be turning. With rulings in Brazil, Vietnam, and the EU, Apple's walled garden is facing increasing pressure to open up. The company's future legal battles against sideloading and third-party app stores remain uncertain.
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