Apple Forced to Allow Sideloading in Brazil

A Brazilian court has ordered Apple to allow sideloading on iOS devices within 90 days. This follows similar rulings in other countries, though 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 key battleground for years, intensified by Epic Games' lawsuit in 2018. This lawsuit highlighted Apple's control over its ecosystem and its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) changes in 2022, which impacted advertising and user profiling, attracting regulatory scrutiny. Despite its privacy arguments, Apple faces increasing pressure globally. Countries like Vietnam and the EU are pushing for greater openness, challenging Apple's traditionally closed ecosystem.

While Apple continues its legal fight, the trend toward greater app store openness seems irreversible. For those interested in new mobile games, check out our list of the top five new releases this week.