Apple has been ordered to allow app sideloading on iOS devices in Brazil within 90 days, according to a recent ruling by a Brazilian judge. The decision comes as a result of an investigation initiated by a complaint filed by Mercado Livre in 2022, which alleged that Apple's restrictions on app distribution were anti-competitive.

The judge's ruling highlights that Apple has already complied with similar regulations in other countries, such as the European Union, where the Digital Markets Act requires the company to permit third-party app stores on iOS devices. The judge noted that Apple's compliance with these regulations in other countries has not resulted in significant harm to its economic model, suggesting that the company's concerns about security and quality control are unfounded.

Apple plans to appeal the ruling, stating that it "believes in vibrant and competitive markets where innovation can flourish" and that its focus is on maintaining user trust. However, the company's statement does not address the specific concerns raised by the Brazilian judge and Mercado Livre's complaint.

This development is significant, as it marks a growing trend towards greater regulation of tech giants and their app ecosystems. The EU's Digital Markets Act has already forced Apple to make concessions, and this ruling in Brazil could pave the way for similar regulations in other countries.

The implications of this ruling are far-reaching, as it could lead to a more open and competitive app ecosystem in Brazil and potentially beyond. It also raises questions about the balance between security and competition in the tech industry, and whether companies like Apple can be trusted to self-regulate.

As the tech industry continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor developments in this area and assess the impact of regulations on innovation and user experience. For now, Apple has 90 days to comply with the ruling and permit app sideloading in Brazil, marking a significant shift in the company's approach to app distribution.