Another significant breach in Apple's tightly controlled ecosystem has occurred, with Brazil mandating that the company must allow sideloading on its iOS devices within the next 90 days. This ruling echoes similar decisions in other countries where Apple has been compelled to open up its platform.
Despite their plans to appeal, Apple's resistance to sideloading—the practice of downloading and installing apps outside of official app stores—has been well-documented. Android users have long enjoyed this flexibility through the use of APK files, which allow for the installation of third-party applications directly onto their devices.
Apple's opposition to sideloading stems from its staunch commitment to user privacy. This stance has been a recurring theme in their resistance to not only sideloading but also third-party app stores. The issue was thrust into the spotlight following Epic Games' lawsuit against Apple more than five years ago, which challenged the tech giant's control over its ecosystem.
PeekabooApple's argument against the Brazilian ruling hinges on privacy concerns, a position they've consistently maintained. In 2022, Apple's introduction of App Tracking Transparency (ATT) changes further emphasized this focus on privacy, requiring developers to seek user permission for advertising and limiting user profiling capabilities. These changes have not been without controversy, drawing regulatory scrutiny due to Apple's own exemptions.
Despite these efforts, Apple appears to be on the losing side of the battle against sideloading and third-party app stores. Countries like Vietnam and the European Union are pushing for more openness in Apple's platform, signaling a shift away from the company's traditional, highly controlled approach.
While Apple continues to navigate these challenges, mobile gaming enthusiasts might be more interested in exploring new releases. Check out our curated list of the top five new mobile games to try this week for some exciting new additions to your gaming library.
