Brazil Mandates Apple to Permit Sideloading

Another significant crack has appeared in Apple's tightly controlled ecosystem, as Brazil joins the growing list of countries demanding that iOS devices support sideloading. Apple has been given a 90-day window to comply with this court order, which echoes similar rulings in other countries that Apple has already had to follow.

Despite this mandate, Apple is poised to appeal the decision. For the uninitiated, sideloading refers to the process of downloading and installing apps directly onto a device without using the official app store. This practice, familiar to Android users through the use of APKs, allows for the installation of third-party applications directly onto smartphones.

Apple's resistance to sideloading has been steadfast, a stance that was notably challenged by Epic's lawsuit over five years ago. This legal battle spotlighted Apple's stringent control over its ecosystem. The tech giant's primary argument against sideloading continues to revolve around privacy concerns. This issue has been a focal point for Apple, notably with their 2022 App Tracking Transparency (ATT) changes, which required developers to seek user permission for advertising and tracking, a move that stirred the gaming industry and drew regulatory attention due to Apple's own exemptions.

Despite their focus on privacy, Apple faces increasing pressure to adapt to changes like sideloading and third-party app stores. Countries such as Vietnam and the European Union are pushing for a more open approach, signaling that the era of Apple's exclusive control may be waning.

While Apple prepares its next move, if you're more interested in exploring new mobile gaming options, don't miss our list of the top five new mobile games to try this week, featuring exciting releases from the past seven days.

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