Another brick in Apple's meticulously crafted walled garden has been dislodged, with Brazil becoming the latest country to mandate that iOS must support sideloading on its devices. Apple has been given a 90-day window to comply, following a court order that highlighted their previous adherence to similar mandates in other jurisdictions.
Unsurprisingly, Apple intends to appeal this decision. For those unfamiliar, sideloading refers to the capability of downloading and installing apps without relying on the official app store. This practice has been a staple for Android users for years, allowing them to utilize APK files to install third-party applications directly onto their devices.
Apple's resistance to sideloading and third-party app stores has been steadfast. However, the Epic lawsuit, which surfaced over five years ago, spotlighted the tech giant's stringent control over its ecosystem.
PeekabooApple's primary defense against such rulings continues to revolve around privacy concerns. This stance has been the crux of their opposition to not only sideloading but also third-party storefronts and other modifications. In 2022, Apple's introduction of App Tracking Transparency (ATT) changes shook the gaming industry, mandating developers to seek user consent for advertising and limiting user profiling capabilities, which drew regulatory attention due to Apple's exemption from these rules.
Despite their emphasis on privacy, Apple faces increasing pressure and appears to be on the losing side of battles against sideloading, third-party app stores, and other regulatory demands. In regions like Vietnam and across the European Union, the era of Apple's exclusive control seems to be waning.
While Apple navigates these challenges, if you're eager to explore fresh gaming options, why not dive into our curated list of the top five new mobile games launched this week?
