Brazil orders Apple to allow App Store sideloading in 90 days after court reversal

A Brazilian federal high court has hit the reset button requiring Apple to implement changes to the App Store within 90 days.

Brazilian antitrust regulator Cade ruled Apple's anti-steering rules illegal following a complaint by MercadoLibre in 2023, prohibiting Apple from banning developers from linking externally to sell in-app content.

Cade gave Apple 90 days to comply, but Apple successfully appealed, and a Federal Civil Court temporarily delayed the changes. However, 9to5mac learned that the decision has now been reversed once more.

Apple now has 90 days to allow sideloading on the App Store in Brazil. 

Imminent changes 

Apple may still appeal the decision to allow alternative app marketplaces in Brazil, similar to those made in the EU earlier this year.

The iPhone maker has initially argued that the regulator's decision threatens users' privacy and security, and labelled it as arbitrary.

Although Apple may dispute the injunction, the regulator can still appeal, and investigations will continue, leaving open the possibility that Apple may eventually comply and enable sideloading in Brazil.