Brazil Mandates Apple to Permit Sideloading

Another brick in Apple's walled garden has been thoroughly dislodged, with Brazil becoming the latest country to mandate the introduction of sideloading on iOS devices. Apple now has a 90-day window to comply, following a court order that highlighted their existing compliance with similar rulings elsewhere.

Predictably, Apple plans to appeal. For those unfamiliar, sideloading refers to the capability to download and install apps outside of a traditional app store. Android users have long enjoyed this feature, using APKs to install third-party apps directly onto their devices.

Apple, however, has consistently opposed sideloading and third-party app stores. The issue gained prominence following Epic's lawsuit more than five years ago, which scrutinized Apple's ecosystem control.

PeekabooApple's primary argument against the ruling centers on privacy concerns. This has been the crux of their resistance to sideloading, third-party stores, and other similar changes. In 2022, Apple's ATT (App Tracking Transparency) changes shook the gaming industry, requiring developers to seek permission for advertising and limiting user profiling, drawing regulatory attention due to Apple's exemption from these rules.

Despite these privacy-focused efforts, Apple faces increasing pressure and appears to be losing ground in its battle against sideloading, third-party app stores, and related changes. In regions like Vietnam and the broader EU, the era of Apple's tightly controlled ecosystem seems to be waning.

Better luck next time to them, I suppose. If you're more interested in exploring new games, why not check out our list of the top five new mobile games to try this week? Discover some great launches from the last seven days!