A federal court in Brazil has mandated that Apple must allow iOS users to install apps from sources outside the official App Store within 90 days or face daily fines exceeding $40,000.
According to Brazilian newspaper Valor Econômico (via 9to5Mac), Judge Pablo Zuniga Apple’s previous compliance in other countries did not result in significant harm to its business model, suggesting that similar adjustments in Brazil would be manageable.
The European Union, for instance, compelled Apple to modify its App Store policies under the Digital Markets Act, enabling alternative app stores and sideloading capabilities for users within the EU.
In Brazil, e-commerce giant Mercado Livre accused Apple of leveraging its dominant market position to enforce the use of its proprietary payment system for in-app transactions. This led to an investigation by Brazil’s antitrust authority, Cade, which ruled that Apple must lift restrictions and allow app developers to direct users to alternative purchasing options.
Despite initial resistance, including appeals and temporary reversals, the recent court order reinstates Cade’s mandate. Apple has expressed intentions to appeal the decision, citing concerns over potential impacts on user privacy and security.
The company argues that allowing third-party app stores and sideloading could expose users to increased security risks and compromise the integrity of the iOS platform.
As countries like Brazil and regions such as the EU push for more open digital marketplaces, Apple and other companies may need to reassess their operational strategies to comply with diverse regulatory landscapes.
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