Apple Under Pressure Again: Brazilian Court Orders the Company to Allow App Sideloading on iOS

Apple is once again facing regulatory pressure as a Brazilian court has ruled that the company must allow app sideloading on iOS devices within 90 days. This decision follows the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which forced the tech giant to enable third-party app stores and sideloading in the EU.

Fines or Sideloading: What Awaits Apple in Brazil?

In November 2024, Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) ruled that Apple must remove restrictions preventing iOS users from installing apps from sources outside the App Store. Apple appealed the decision, which granted the company additional time to contest the ruling.

However, according to Valor Econômico, Federal Judge Pablo Zuniga has now ordered Apple to allow third-party app stores on iOS in Brazil within 90 days. Failure to comply will result in daily fines exceeding $40,000. The judge also reinstated an injunction from CADE, overturning a previous ruling that had temporarily allowed Apple to avoid compliance.

Zuniga emphasized: “Apple has already complied with similar obligations in other countries without demonstrating significant impact or irreparable harm to its economic model.” He also extended CADE’s initial 20-day deadline to 90 days, acknowledging that the change requires planning and technical implementation.

The Antitrust Case Against Apple

The antitrust case against Apple in Brazil began in 2022 after Latin American e-commerce giant Mercado Libre filed a complaint. The company accused Apple of abusing its market dominance by forcing developers to use its proprietary payment system for digital goods and services.

Apple’s Official Response

Apple spokesperson Fred Sainz reaffirmed the company’s stance, stating: “Apple believes in dynamic and competitive markets where innovation can thrive.” He added: “We face competition in every segment and jurisdiction where we operate, and our primary focus is the trust of our users.”

Apple plans to appeal the ruling. According to Sainz, “the interim measures proposed by CADE could undermine the privacy and security of our users.”

If upheld, this decision would make Brazil the second major market after the EU to push for a more open mobile ecosystem by enforcing sideloading on iOS.