A Brazilian court has given a major blow to Apple’s closely controlled ecosystem that ordered the tech giant to allow side load on iOS within 90 days. The order follows similar mandates in the EU and signales a global push for more open digital marketplaces.
With Apple, which commanded nearly 60% of the US mobile market and over 62% in Japan, the decision could set off a domino effect worldwide.
How does sideloading iOS users affect?
Sideloading occurs when a mobile smartphone user downloads an app from a source other than the official App Store. In this case, the App Store remains the only distribution channel – a model that Apple is determined to protect.
It is clear why Apple wants to limit third -party apps. According to Statcounter, the tech giant accounts for less than 30% of the global OS market share from February 2025. To force users to download apps from the App Store is a safe way to keep them in the iOS ecosystem.
However, users receive some advantage by downloading apps exclusively from the App Store. As all apps undergo a screening process, users know that they receive authentic software that will not damage their device. If they ever experience a problem, technical support is usually available.
These protective measures do not necessarily extend to apps downloaded from developer sites or other sources, but many users still want freedom to choose. Despite already making similar accommodation in other regions, Apple insists that sideloading will have a negative impact on all iOS users.
Judge Pablo Zuniga, who overturned an injunction that would have given Apple more time to consider their next move, said Apple “already complied with similar obligations in other countries without demonstrating a significant influence or irreversible damage to its business model.”
What does that mean for other countries?
If the order stands, similar legal battles may emerge all over the world. As the European Union has already set a precedent and Brazil that potentially follow, other countries may soon participate in the movement. While the case in Brazil could be an important catalyst for a future disturbance in the iOS ecosystem, it’s still too early to tell.
After the latest decision, Apple now has 90 days to remove all side load restrictions for all Brazilian iOS users. As expected, the company plans to appeal the decision.
This article was written by Technology Advice Contributing Author Jr Johnivan.