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 on Android 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 concerns about Apple's control over its ecosystem. While Apple emphasizes user privacy, its past actions, such as the 2022 App Tracking Transparency (ATT) changes impacting advertising and user profiling, have faced regulatory scrutiny, particularly regarding Apple's own exemption from similar rules.
Despite its privacy arguments, Apple's efforts to maintain its walled garden are facing increasing challenges. With rulings in Brazil, Vietnam, and the broader EU, the company's control over iOS is weakening. The future may hold less restrictive practices for Apple users.
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