Apple Must Allow App Sideloading In Brazil In 90 Days

Apple was forced to allow sideloading (photo: dock. unsplash)

JAKARTA The federal judge in Brazil decided that Apple should allow 90 days of sideloading capabilities for iPhone users in the country. Apple plans to appeal.

Based on Valor Economico media reports, through 9to5google, the judge assessed that sideloading restrictions or app downloads outside the App Store could harm new competitors. Therefore, Apple must allow sideloading like in the European Union.

This decision is part of an antitrust investigation into Apple. Initially, e-commerce company Mercado Libre accused Apple of forcing developers to use their payment systems to promote digital services.

This problem was also complained by other companies such as Match and Epic Games who won several times against the company. In November 2024, the antitrust regulator Brasi finally decided that Apple should not implement sideloading.

These restrictions must be opened so that developers can sell content or distribute their applications outside the Brazilian App Store. Apple is given the opportunity to comply with the law within 20 days. Otherwise, they will be fined 40 thousand US dollars (Rp653 million) per day.

Apple did not accept the decision and filed an appeal on the grounds that the App Store changes could affect the company's business. At that time, the judge ruled that the Brazilian court's decision was not in effect.

However, in February 2025, Apple again faced an antitrust lawsuit in an open session in Brazil. Judge Pablo Zuniga's decision was different from what Apple expected because the App Store was again asked to allow sideloading capabilities.

This decision was made because Apple managed to get rid of sideloading in Europe and there was no unrepairable damage to the company. Apple will re-submit because the decision is considered burdensome to the company.

"We are concerned that the interim action proposed by CADE will undermine the privacy and security of our users and intend to appeal the decision today," Apple spokesman Fred Sainz said.