Apple allows alternative app stores and payments in Brazil after regulator deal

• Developers can now distribute apps through alternative marketplaces and offer payment methods outside Apple's in-app purchase system, with changes available starting with iOS 26.5
• Apple will implement safety measures including app notarization, marketplace authorization requirements, and content protections for younger users
• Apple warned that alternative app stores and payment systems may increase risks including malware, fraud, scams, and privacy threats

Summary: Apple Opens Up iOS in Brazil Following Antitrust Agreement

Key Development: Apple announced Thursday it will permit alternative app distribution and payment systems in Brazil after reaching a settlement with the country's antitrust authority, CADE. The agreement resolves a dispute initiated in 2022.

Major Changes:

• Developers in Brazil can now distribute iOS apps through third-party marketplaces
• Apps on the official App Store can offer alternative payment methods within their applications
• Developers can direct users to external websites to complete transactions, bypassing Apple's in-app purchase system

Implementation: The new features became available to developers Thursday as part of iOS 26.5.

Safety Measures: Apple announced it will implement several protective measures, including:

• App notarization requirements
• Authorization requirements for alternative marketplaces
• Safeguards to protect younger users from inappropriate content

Company Warnings: Apple cautioned that alternative app marketplaces and payment systems could expose users to increased risks, including malware, fraud, scams, and privacy threats.

Market Implications: This represents a significant concession by Apple in a major Latin American market, potentially setting a precedent for similar regulatory actions in other jurisdictions. The move mirrors ongoing regulatory pressures Apple faces globally, particularly in the European Union, where similar requirements have been imposed. The changes could impact Apple's services revenue from Brazil, as the company will no longer collect its typical 15-30% commission on all transactions. However, the long-term implications for developer adoption of alternative systems and overall market dynamics remain to be seen.