Brazil orders Apple to allow app sideloading in 90 days

A Brazilian federal judge has mandated that Apple must enable sideloading and allow third-party app stores on its iOS devices within 90 days or face fines exceeding $40,000 per day. Judge Pablo Zuniga emphasized that Apple has already complied with similar regulations in other countries without significant repercussions to its business model. This ruling follows a complaint from the e-commerce company Mercado Livre, which accused Apple of monopolistic practices by forcing developers to use its payment system. Apple plans to appeal the decision, citing concerns over user privacy and security, while maintaining that it supports a competitive marketplace. Brazil's decision aligns with similar regulatory actions taken by the European Union under its Digital Markets Act, which also forced Apple to permit alternative app distribution. If upheld, this ruling could set a precedent for other countries looking to challenge Apple's app distribution policies.