• Source:JND

iOS Brazil: In an uncharacteristic move for the Cupertino-based giant, Apple will allow iOS users in Brazil to install third‑party app stores from 2026. Apple has agreed to a Term of Commitment to Termination (TCC), mandating the company to permit third-party app stores and allow developers to use external payment systems for in-app purchases, according to CADE, Brazil’s competition authority.

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The agreement also requires Apple to keep warnings about installing third-party app stores or using external payments neutral in tone and wording. The company can still charge developers commissions on in-app purchases, though the exact fee structure remains unspecified.

The move comes against the backdrop of Apple's settlement with the CADE, The move resembles a ceasefire for both sides after a long‑fought battle between the regulator and the tech giant. Apple had previously argued against opening up third‑party app stores to iOS. On what grounds? The company cited security concerns on its mobile platform, warning that such integration could expose users to compromised protections

Brazil now joins a growing list of countries that have compelled Apple to revise parts of its long-standing policies, which have faced criticism for being unfair and anti-competitive. Users in Europe and Japan can already install third-party app stores on iOS devices. In the US, Apple has faced multiple defeats in attempts to block changes to its App Store practices following the landmark Epic Games lawsuit.

Back in 2021, a US district court ruled that Apple must allow developers to more easily direct consumers to potentially cheaper non-Apple payment options. Since then, the company has been ordered to stop practices intended to bypass the injunction, including the 27% fee imposed on app developers when purchases are completed outside the App Store.

The US Court has also put a halt to a practice by the Cupertino-based tech giant that prohibited developers from placing links that redirected to external purchases.

For now Apple has 105 days to comply with the new norms placed in Brazil; failing to do so would result in fines amounting to up to $27 million.

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“In order to comply with regulatory demands from CADE, Apple is making changes that will impact iOS apps in Brazil. While these changes will open new privacy and security risks to users, we have worked to maintain protections against some threats, including keeping in place important safeguards for younger users,” said a company spokesperson to 9to5Mac.


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