Brazilian court orders Apple to enable sideloading on iOS within 90 days

Apple is facing yet another legal challenge as a Brazilian court has ruled that the company must allow sideloading on iOS within 90 days. This decision follows a growing global push for more openness in digital ecosystems, mirroring regulatory actions previously taken in the European Union. The ruling, issued by a federal judge, mandates Apple to enable third-party app installations on iPhones in Brazil, significantly altering the way iOS functions in the country.

According to reports from the Brazilian newspaper Valor Econômico, the ruling stems from concerns that Apple’s restrictive app distribution model limits competition and stifles innovation. The judge argued that Apple’s control over app distribution and payments creates barriers for new developers and gives the company an unfair advantage in the mobile market. The ruling aligns with previous decisions made by Brazil’s antitrust authority, Cade, which had already determined in late 2024 that Apple could not prohibit developers from offering alternative app stores or external payment methods.

Apple initially challenged the Cade ruling, arguing that the required changes would be disruptive to its business and that implementing them was not an urgent matter. The company temporarily avoided compliance through legal appeals. However, the recent court decision, issued by Judge Pablo Zuniga, reinforces that Apple must follow through with the mandated changes. The judge pointed out that Apple has already implemented similar policies in other regions, such as the European Union, without suffering irreparable harm. Therefore, the court sees no reason why the same changes should not apply in Brazil.

This legal battle originated when Latin America’s largest e-commerce platform, Mercado Libre, accused Apple of anti-competitive practices. The company claimed that Apple unfairly forces developers offering digital goods or services to use its proprietary payment system, blocking alternative distribution methods. Other major players, including Tinder’s parent company Match Group and Epic Games, have also voiced similar complaints, adding pressure to regulators to take action against Apple’s walled-garden approach.

Despite the ruling, Apple remains firm in its stance against sideloading. A company spokesperson stated to Valor Econômico that Apple supports competitive markets and faces significant competition across various industries. Apple also reiterated its long-standing argument that sideloading poses risks to user security and privacy. The company has confirmed its intention to appeal the ruling, aiming to delay or overturn the requirement.

With Apple now under legal scrutiny in multiple jurisdictions, the coming months will be crucial in determining how the company adapts to increasing regulatory pressure. Whether this ruling marks a definitive shift for iOS users in Brazil or leads to another protracted legal battle remains to be seen.