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 long-standing battle. This resistance intensified after Epic Games' lawsuit five years ago, highlighting concerns about Apple's control over its ecosystem. Apple's privacy arguments have also been challenged by its own actions, such as its 2022 App Tracking Transparency (ATT) changes, which impacted advertising and user profiling while exempting Apple itself.
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Despite its arguments, Apple's resistance to sideloading is facing increasing pressure globally. Countries like Vietnam and the EU are pushing for greater app store openness. The future may see a significant shift in Apple's walled garden approach.
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