Brazil becomes the latest country to force Apple to allow sideloading

Apple's tightly controlled ecosystem faces another significant challenge as Brazil becomes the latest country to mandate the introduction of sideloading on iOS devices. The court has given Apple a 90-day deadline to comply, highlighting that the tech giant has already adjusted to similar rulings in other jurisdictions. This ruling paves the way for iOS users in Brazil to install apps directly onto their devices, akin to the APK system long utilized by Android users.

Apple, known for its staunch opposition to sideloading, is preparing to appeal the decision. Sideloading allows users to bypass the official App Store, a feature that has been a contentious point since Epic Games' lawsuit against Apple over five years ago spotlighted the issue of Apple's control over its platform.

The company's resistance to sideloading and third-party app stores has been primarily based on privacy concerns. In 2022, Apple's App Tracking Transparency (ATT) changes further stirred the gaming industry by necessitating developers to seek user permission for advertising, impacting user profiling capabilities. Despite these privacy-focused moves, Apple continues to face regulatory scrutiny and pressure to open its platform further.

The push for change isn't isolated to Brazil; countries like Vietnam and the broader EU are also challenging Apple's traditional model. It appears that the era of Apple's exclusive control over app distribution might be nearing its end.

While Apple navigates these legal waters, mobile gaming enthusiasts can explore new titles. Check out our curated list of the top five new mobile games launched this week for some exciting options to dive into.

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