In a major win for Apple, Brazil’s Federal Court in the Federal District has ruled in favor of the company, allowing it to maintain full control over app distribution on iOS devices. This decision confirms that Apple is not required to permit third-party app stores or enable sideloading, reinforcing its exclusive App Store model within the country.
The Legal Battle: How It Started
The dispute began in 2022 when MercadoLibre, a leading Latin American e-commerce platform, challenged Apple’s App Store policies. The company argued that Apple’s restrictions on sideloading and third-party app stores were anti-competitive, stifling fair market access and limiting choices for consumers and developers. MercadoLibre’s concerns echoed global debates on whether Apple’s ecosystem fosters innovation or unfairly dominates the digital marketplace.
In an initial ruling in late 2024, a Brazilian federal judge sided with MercadoLibre, mandating that Apple open its iOS ecosystem to alternative app stores and sideloading. The ruling followed trends in other parts of the world, such as the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which required Apple to introduce alternative app distribution methods.
However, Apple swiftly appealed the decision, citing concerns about user security, privacy risks, and the potential for an unregulated app ecosystem that could expose consumers to malware and fraud.
Why Apple Opposed Sideloading
Apple has long defended its App Store policies as measures that prioritize user safety. The company argues that its closed system:
Protects against malware and scams: By controlling which apps get approved, Apple reduces the risk of harmful software infecting users’ devices.
Ensures quality and security: Every app goes through Apple’s rigorous review process, providing a level of trust that sideloaded apps might not offer.
Maintains a consistent user experience: Apple’s ecosystem allows for seamless app integration, while third-party stores could create fragmentation and compatibility issues.
Apple’s position aligns with its ongoing global strategy, where it has pushed back against efforts to force open access to iOS devices, particularly in markets where regulatory scrutiny is intensifying.
The Reversal: Apple Wins on Appeal
In March 2025, Brazil’s Federal Court overturned the initial ruling, siding with Apple’s arguments that maintaining a controlled ecosystem is essential for security and quality. The court emphasized that requiring Apple to allow third-party app stores could introduce risks without sufficient safeguards.
This decision is a major victory for Apple, as it secures the company’s ability to operate under its existing model in Brazil—one of the largest smartphone markets in Latin America.
How This Compares to Global Trends
Brazil’s ruling contrasts sharply with regulations in the European Union, where Apple has been forced to comply with laws enabling alternative app stores. While the EU has moved towards enforcing a more open app ecosystem, Brazil’s decision suggests that some governments see value in maintaining Apple’s controlled marketplace.
In the U.S., Apple continues to face legal challenges regarding its App Store fees and developer policies. Meanwhile, in South Korea, regulators have mandated changes to Apple’s in-app payment system to allow more competition.
Impact on Developers and Consumers
For Developers: App makers in Brazil must continue working within Apple’s strict App Store guidelines, including revenue-sharing policies and Apple’s commission structure. While some developers prefer an open marketplace for greater flexibility, others appreciate the security of Apple’s ecosystem.
For Consumers: iPhone users in Brazil will still have to download apps exclusively from the App Store. This ensures a secure and vetted experience but limits options for users looking for apps that Apple may not approve.
What’s Next?
While this ruling provides Apple with a clear win in Brazil, the global landscape continues to evolve. As regulatory pressure grows in multiple regions, Apple will need to adapt to varying legal frameworks while defending its closed ecosystem.
For now, Brazil stands as an example of a country siding with Apple’s argument that security and quality control should take precedence over a more open but potentially riskier app distribution model. However, with ongoing debates about digital competition worldwide, this may not be the last challenge Apple faces.
