Another significant crack has appeared in Apple's walled garden, as Brazil joins the list of countries mandating that iOS devices allow sideloading. Apple has been given a 90-day window to comply with the court's decision, which echoes similar rulings they've had to follow in other nations.

Apple is preparing to appeal the ruling, but the trend is clear. Sideloading, which allows users to install apps directly onto their devices without using an official app store, has been a standard feature on Android through the use of APKs. This practice has been a point of contention for Apple, who have historically resisted it.

The issue of sideloading gained prominence following Epic's lawsuit against Apple more than five years ago, spotlighting the tech giant's control over its ecosystem. Apple's primary objection to sideloading, as with third-party app stores, centers on privacy concerns. In 2022, Apple's introduction of App Tracking Transparency (ATT) changes further stirred the gaming community, requiring developers to seek permission for advertising and limiting user profiling—moves that drew regulatory attention, especially since Apple exempted itself.

Despite Apple's privacy-focused stance, the push for sideloading and third-party app stores continues to gain momentum. From Vietnam to the European Union, the pressure is mounting, signaling a potential shift away from Apple's traditionally closed ecosystem.

While Apple navigates these legal challenges, gamers looking for new experiences can explore our curated list of the top five new mobile games launched this week.

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