A Brazilian court has ordered Apple to allow sideloading on iOS devices within 90 days. This follows similar rulings in other countries, a trend Apple plans to appeal. Sideloading allows users to install apps directly onto their iPhones, bypassing the App Store—a feature long available to Android users via APKs.

Apple's staunch opposition to sideloading, citing privacy concerns, has been a long-standing battle. This resistance intensified after Epic Games' lawsuit five years ago, highlighting concerns about Apple's control over its ecosystem. Apple's privacy argument has been central to its opposition to sideloading and third-party app stores. This argument even extended to their 2022 App Tracking Transparency (ATT) changes, which impacted advertising and user profiling, leading to regulatory scrutiny, particularly given Apple’s exemption from similar rules.

Despite its privacy focus, Apple faces increasing pressure. The recent Brazilian ruling, along with similar decisions in Vietnam and the EU, signals a weakening of Apple's control over its walled garden. The company's future resistance to sideloading and other changes seems increasingly challenging.

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