Apple is required to enable sideloading in Brazil within 90 days, allowing users to download apps from third-party sources. This follows a long legal dispute and is aimed at enhancing competition in the app market. Apple’s resistance is rooted in concerns over user privacy and security, and the company intends to appeal the ruling.
Apple is set to permit sideloading in Brazil following a long-standing legal dispute. The Brazilian federal court has imposed a 90-day deadline for Apple to allow users to download apps directly from websites or developers’ app stores instead of exclusively through the official iOS app store. This decision comes after a previous court ruling allowed third-party providers to distribute their apps outside of Apple’s platform, where developers had previously faced significant fees, reaching up to 30 percent of their sales.
In contrast, the European Union has already forced Apple to allow alternative app marketplaces as part of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Since iOS 17.4, users in the EU can access these third-party markets, although developers continue to pay fees based on complex terms established by Apple. This regulatory shift encourages market entry for new developers, which is similarly being evaluated by the Brazilian judiciary, noting that Apple’s restrictions could hinder competition.
Last November, Brazil’s CADE (Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica) issued an ultimatum to Apple, threatening daily fines equivalent to €41,000 unless the company updated its app store policies. This pressure was motivated by e-commerce firm MercadoLibre’s request to incorporate its own payment methods within Apple’s ecosystem.
Despite the recent court ruling favoring the requirement for sideloading, Apple initially defended itself legally, arguing that the changes were unnecessary and damaging to its business. However, the Brazilian court pointed to other nations where similar changes had been successful without harming Apple’s operations. An Apple spokesperson reiterated the company’s commitment to competitive markets, voicing concerns that the proposed changes might jeopardize user security and privacy, leading to plans for an appeal against the ruling.
In conclusion, Apple has been mandated to permit sideloading in Brazil within a 90-day timeframe, shaped by increasing regulatory pressures. This decision mirrors trends observed in the European Union, where Apple is adapting to a more open app marketplace. Noteworthy implications for developers and users alike include potential shifts in application distribution norms and concerns over privacy and security, which Apple plans to address through legal challenges. The evolving landscape in Brazil highlights a significant moment in tech regulation.
Original Source: www.heise.de
