Apple Mandated to Allow Sideloading on iPhones in Brazil Within 90 Days

A Brazilian court has mandated Apple to allow sideloading of apps on iPhones within 90 days, ending its previous prohibitions on app installations from external sources. Apple plans to appeal the decision, arguing concerns over privacy and security, while the ruling aims to enhance competition and market entry for new developers.

Apple has been mandated by a Brazilian court to permit sideloading of applications on iPhones within a 90-day timeframe. This decision ends Apple’s previous stance against allowing the installation of apps from external sources, such as websites or other app stores. The ruling marks a crucial shift in the ongoing dispute between the Brazilian judiciary and the technology firm, with Apple planning to contest the decision.

The court’s ruling requires that third-party app providers be able to distribute apps beyond Apple’s official App Store. Traditionally, Apple monopolized app distribution, charging developers approximately 30 percent fees for paid apps. Only some concessions are made for smaller developers to alleviate costs.

In contrast, the European Union has begun to allow alternative app marketplaces on iPhones under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Since iOS 17.4, developers in the EU can engage in alternative distribution, albeit still subject to Apple’s fees outlined in distinct terms and conditions. This EU model is more complex and takes into account various factors like application installations.

The Brazilian court seeks to emulate a similar model to the EU, potentially without the associated fees that Apple enforces. The rationale behind this shift is the concern that Apple’s stringent policies inhibit the market entry of new application developers. Previously, Brazil’s competition authority had threatened Apple with substantial daily fines if no adjustments were made.

Despite initially prevailing in legal challenges against the fines, Apple now faces renewed pressure as the court cites successful implementation of sideloading in other nations without detrimental effects on Apple’s business model. In response to the ruling, an Apple spokesperson expressed concerns that these changes could adversely affect user privacy and security, asserting the company’s intention to appeal the court’s decision.

In summary, Apple is required to enable sideloading on iPhones in Brazil within a 90-day deadline, reflecting a significant legal development in app distribution policies. This ruling aims to enhance market access for developers, potentially following a previously established model in the EU. Apple intends to contest this decision, citing concerns over user security and privacy. The discourse surrounding app distribution continues to evolve, influencing both developers and end-users in the tech industry.

Original Source: www.heise.de