Apple has announced that developers in Brazil can now distribute their iOS apps through alternative app stores and process payments for digital goods outside the App Store. This move strengthens Apple's competition in Brazil after similar agreements with regulators in the EU and Japan.
The changes, part of a deal with Brazil’s competition regulator CADE, come as a significant blow to Apple’s tight control over the iOS app ecosystem. For instance, U.S. developers are now permitted to direct users to external payment options, thanks to a court decision in the Epic Games lawsuit against Apple.
The updates will also include new protections for Brazilian consumers, including a notarization process for apps distributed outside the App Store and authorization requirements for alternative app marketplaces. These measures aim to protect children from inappropriate content and scams.
Developers must agree to these latest terms by July 6, 2026, marking another step in Apple’s journey of adapting its business practices to regulatory scrutiny and consumer expectations. The 5% Core Technology Commission (CTC) fee structure will apply to apps distributed via the App Store, web, or alternative marketplaces, as it already does in the EU.
