A Brazilian judge has ordered Apple to allow app sideloading within 90 days, referencing similar rulings in other regions. The directive stems from complaints about high developer fees imposed by Apple, leading to legal challenges and subsequent mandates from Brazilian regulators. Apple, while supporting market competition, expresses concerns over user privacy and security, and plans to appeal the ruling.
A Brazilian judge has mandated that Apple allow app sideloading within a 90-day timeframe, according to a report in Valor Econômico, which was referenced by 9to5Mac. This ruling is consistent with similar judgments made in Europe and other regions, emphasizing that Apple has previously complied with such orders without adverse effects on its business model. Judge Pablo Zuniga noted, “[Apple] has already complied with similar obligations in other countries, without demonstrating a significant impact or irreparable damage to its business model.”
This ruling follows a prior decision by Brazil’s antitrust regulator, CADE, which directed Apple to permit users to download apps and conduct purchases outside its App Store. Initially, CADE set a 20-day deadline for compliance, leading Apple to appeal due to the difficulties in implementing the changes within that timeframe. The Brazilian court described the original injunction as “disproportionate and unnecessary,” granting Apple additional time while imposing the requirement of a public hearing.
Following CADE’s subsequent appeal, the court reaffirmed its order for Apple to enable sideloading and support for third-party app stores within three months, potentially incurring fines for non-compliance. The litigation was initiated by Mercado Libre, a Latin American e-commerce firm, which expressed concerns about high commissions imposed by Apple on developers. Other companies, including Match and Epic Games, later joined the lawsuit.
An Apple representative communicated to Valor Econômico that while the company endorses competitive markets, they express concern that the mandated changes may “harm the privacy and security” of iOS users. Apple intends to appeal this latest ruling.
In summary, a Brazilian judge has ruled that Apple must facilitate app sideloading within 90 days, referencing similar international obligations that Apple has previously fulfilled without significant impact. The case, driven by complaints from Mercado Libre and other developers regarding Apple’s fees, faced legal challenges and appeals. Despite Apple’s concerns about security and privacy, the court’s decision requires compliance or financial penalties.
Original Source: www.engadget.com
