In a landmark decision, a Brazilian federal court has ordered Apple to allow third-party app installations, known as sideloading, on iOS devices within the next 90 days. This move aims to foster competition and provide consumers with more choices beyond Apple’s proprietary App Store.
The legal proceedings began in 2022 when Mercado Libre, a leading Latin American e-commerce platform, filed a complaint against Apple’s restrictive app distribution and payment policies. The Brazilian Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) subsequently ruled that Apple must lift these restrictions, a decision that was temporarily overturned but has now been reinstated with the recent court order.
Judge Pablo Zuniga, overseeing the case, emphasized that Apple has complied with similar regulations in other regions, such as the European Union, without significant harm to its business model. He noted that the existing limitations could hinder new competitors from entering the market, thereby justifying regulatory intervention.
Apple has expressed its intention to appeal the ruling, citing concerns over user privacy and security. A company spokesperson stated, “We are concerned that the interim measures proposed by CADE would undermine the privacy and security of our users and intend to appeal today’s decision.”
This development aligns with global trends where regulatory bodies are scrutinizing major tech companies to ensure fair competition and consumer choice. The outcome of Apple’s appeal and its subsequent actions in Brazil could set a precedent for other countries considering similar measures.
