Apple has less than 3 months to allow apps sideloading in Brazil

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Apple has been ordered to enable sideloading for iPhone users in Brazil within the next 90 days or face significant financial penalties. 

On Wednesday, March 5, Judge Pablo Zuniga of the Brazilian federal court mandated that Apple allow third-party app marketplaces, a move that aligns with similar regulatory pressures the company has faced in other regions. (via: 9to5Mac)

Failure to comply with the ruling could result in daily fines exceeding $40,000.

Judge Zuniga highlighted that Apple has already implemented similar changes in other countries without experiencing significant harm to its business model. 

A notable example is the European Union, where Apple was compelled to comply with the Digital Markets Act in 2024. 

In response, Apple introduced sideloading capabilities through iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 18, enabling EU users to download apps from third-party sources. 

Brazil now seeks the same treatment for its market, arguing that Apple’s restrictions limit competition and could prevent new entrants from establishing themselves.

The Brazilian antitrust regulator, Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Economica (CADE), originally filed a complaint against Apple back in 2022. 

The case initially led to an unfavorable decision for Apple, followed by a proposed implementation timeline that was deemed unreasonable and overturned. 

However, momentum continued to build against Apple, culminating in a public hearing held by CADE in February 2025.

Apple strongly opposes the ruling, stating that allowing sideloading could compromise user privacy and security. 

The company maintains that it supports competition across all markets but argues that alternative app distribution methods pose significant risks. 

Despite Apple’s resistance, regulatory pressure continues to mount, and Brazil appears determined to enforce compliance.

Although Apple plans to challenge the ruling, the legal proceedings could extend for months.

The final outcome remains uncertain, but given the precedent set in the EU, Apple may ultimately be forced to accommodate third-party app stores in Brazil. 

What are your thoughts on this? Do you think Apple should just allow sideloading globally? We want to hear your thoughts in the comments, down below, or via our Twitter or Facebook.