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 enables users to install apps directly onto their iPhones, bypassing the App Store, a feature long available on Android via APKs.
Apple's staunch opposition to sideloading, citing privacy concerns, has been a consistent theme. This resistance intensified after Epic Games' lawsuit five years ago, highlighting Apple's control over its ecosystem. Apple's privacy argument, also used to justify its opposition to third-party app stores, has been a key sticking point. This stance even extended to the 2022 App Tracking Transparency (ATT) changes, which, despite Apple’s privacy focus, drew regulatory scrutiny due to exemptions for Apple itself.
Despite its privacy arguments, Apple is increasingly facing pressure regarding sideloading. Recent rulings in Vietnam and the EU suggest a weakening of Apple's control over its walled garden. The future of Apple's restrictive approach appears increasingly uncertain.
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