A Brazilian judge has ordered Apple to enable app sideloading within 90 days, following similar rulings in Europe. Apple previously appealed a related decision from Brazil’s antitrust regulator, claiming compliance difficulties. The case was initiated by Mercado Libre, citing high commission fees imposed by the App Store, and Apple plans to appeal the decision due to privacy concerns.
In a significant ruling, a Brazilian judge mandated that Apple must enable app sideloading within a 90-day period. This decision aligns with similar mandates previously established in Europe and other regions. Judge Pablo Zuniga emphasized that Apple had already adhered to such obligations elsewhere without detriment to its business model.
Brazil’s antitrust regulator, CADE, initially directed Apple to permit users to download applications and conduct transactions outside its App Store, imposing a 20-day compliance threshold. Apple contested this decision, citing implementation difficulties; the court responded by granting additional time but insisted on a public hearing in Brazil.
Following further appeals from CADE, the court reaffirmed the requirement for Apple to facilitate sideloading and integrate third-party app stores within the set timeframe or incur penalties. This litigation originated from a complaint by Mercado Libre, a leading Latin American e-commerce firm, which raised concerns over developers’ obligations to pay substantial commissions via Apple’s App Store, prompting support from other developers like Match and Epic Games.
An Apple representative expressed to Valor Econômico that the company endorses vibrant market competition; however, they also cautioned that the mandated changes could compromise the privacy and security of iOS users. Apple intends to appeal this recent ruling.
The Brazilian court’s ruling compelling Apple to permit app sideloading within 90 days reflects a growing trend worldwide against restrictive app store policies. The decision arose from advocacy by developers facing high commission fees, and while Apple supports market competition, it expresses concerns regarding user security. Apple’s forthcoming appeal may shape the ongoing debate about app distribution practices.
Original Source: www.engadget.com
