A Brazilian court has ruled that Apple must permit third-party app stores and sideloading on its iOS devices in the country within 90 days or face daily fines. The decision follows a complaint by Mercado Livre, accusing Apple of engaging in anti-competitive behavior. Apple has stated its intention to appeal the ruling, emphasizing the importance of user privacy and security in its closed ecosystem. This order could have significant implications for Apple’s app store model, which has faced scrutiny in various jurisdictions globally. The tech giant has been embroiled in multiple legal battles over its control of the app distribution market and the fees it charges developers. The outcome of this case in Brazil may set a precedent for how Apple operates in other regions, including India, where similar concerns have been raised. Apple’s strict control over its app store has been a point of contention for regulators and competitors alike, with many arguing that it stifles competition and limits consumer choice. The court’s decision to force Apple to open up its ecosystem could potentially pave the way for more competition in the app market and give users greater control over their devices. It remains to be seen how Apple will respond to this order and what the implications will be for the company’s business in Brazil and beyond.