Apple plans to allow third-party app stores in Brazil
Apple will allow sideloading and external payment links for Brazilian users starting in 2026, under an antitrust settlement with Brazilian regulators.
Cade forma maioria pela homologação de TCC em investigação sobre práticas da Apple no iOS — Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica
https://www.gov.br/cade/pt-br/assuntos/noticias/cade-forma-maioria-pela-homologacao-de-tcc-em-investigacao-sobre-praticas-da-apple-no-ios
Apple ainda poderá cobrar taxas no Brasil; veja alíquotas • Tecnoblog
https://tecnoblog.net/noticias/apple-ainda-podera-cobrar-taxas-no-brasil-veja-aliquotas/
Apple settles Brazilian antitrust case with App Store policy overhaul - 9to5Mac
https://9to5mac.com/2025/12/23/apple-settles-brazilian-antitrust-case-with-app-store-policy-overhaul/
Apple is going to allow third-party app stores in Brazil, too | The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/news/850061/apple-brazil-third-party-app-stores-external-payment-systems
In 2022, South American e-commerce giant Mercado Libre filed a complaint with Brazil's competition watchdog, the Administrative Commission for Economic Defence (CADE), complaining about Apple's restrictions, which included limiting app distribution and banning the use of external payment systems.
Mercado Libre has been locked in a legal battle with Apple since then, with CADE upholding an interim measure that will require Apple to allow third-party app store distribution and external payment links in Brazil by mid-2025.
Apple must allow third-party app distribution channels in Brazil, allow developers to link to external payment options, and allow third-party payment methods to be offered alongside Apple's in-app purchase system.
In response to local regulations, Apple has already opened up third-party app stores in Europe, Japan, and the US, with Brazil following suit.
Apple allows sideloading and non-App Store payments in the EU following the Digital Markets Act, but imposes stricter conditions and new fees - GIGAZINE
Apple is also required to ensure that any notices it provides to users about these options are 'written in a neutral and objective manner and must not create controls that interfere with the user experience.'
Apple will have up to 105 days to fix the problem, and any violations could result in a fine of up to 150 million reais (approximately 4.2 billion yen) and the reopening of the administrative investigation.
In response to this, Apple provided a statement to 9to5Mac saying, 'To comply with CADE's regulatory requirements, Apple is making changes that impact iOS apps in Brazil. While these changes may introduce new privacy and security risks for users, we strive to maintain protections against some threats and maintain important safeguards, particularly for our younger users. While these safeguards do not eliminate all risks, they help ensure iOS remains the best and most secure mobile platform available in Brazil. Apple remains committed to our users and developers.'
When Apple lifted the ban on third-party app stores, it issued a warning to users about the precautions they should take when using third-party app stores.
Finally, iOS 17.4 will allow alternative app stores to comply with EU regulations, but Apple warns against it - GIGAZINE
Apple has not yet revealed details about the new pricing and protections it will introduce to the Brazilian App Store. However, technology media outlet Tecnoblog has reported that it has received information directly from CADE, which includes the following:
◆In-app purchases on the App Store
・25% (standard) or 10% (special program) commission
・5% commission on in-app purchases
◆ If you purchased an app on the App Store but were redirected outside the store (if you used an external payment link to make the payment)
If your redirect contains static text (no clickable links or buttons), there is no charge.
- If app owners add a button or link that directs users to make a payment on their own website (outside the app environment), a 15% fee will be charged.
◆Third-party app stores
・5% core technology fee
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in Software, Smartphone, Posted by logu_ii