Apple Opens iOS App Distribution to Competition in Brazil Following Regulator Agreement

Apple announced on June 18, 2026, that it is expanding app distribution options in Brazil, allowing developers to distribute iOS apps through alternative marketplaces and process payments for digital goods and services outside of the App Store. The changes stem from an agreement with Brazil's competition regulator, the Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica (CADE), marking another instance of Apple loosening its control over the iOS ecosystem following similar regulatory actions in the European Union and Japan.

Under the new framework, developers will have the option to use alternative app marketplaces authorized by Apple, though apps distributed outside the App Store will not receive the same level of review protection as those on the official platform. To mitigate emerging security and privacy risks, Apple has implemented several safeguards, including a notarization process that combines automated checks and human review to detect malware, viruses, and other security threats. Additionally, Apple will require authorization for alternative marketplaces and has introduced protections designed to shield children from inappropriate content and scams.

For payments, developers distributing apps on the App Store in Brazil can now include alternative payment processing methods within their apps or direct users to external websites to complete transactions, while users can still rely on Apple's In-App Purchase system. The agreement also introduces a Core Technology Commission (CTC) fee structure of 5 percent, which applies to apps distributed through the App Store, via the web, or through alternative marketplaces—a fee structure previously adopted in the EU.

The changes are available for developer integration beginning today as part of iOS 26.5, with developers required to accept the updated Apple Developer Program License Agreement by July 6, 2026. Apple has emphasized that while the App Store remains the recommended platform for app discovery and download due to its comprehensive privacy and security review process, these regulatory requirements reflect ongoing pressure from governments worldwide to increase competition in mobile app ecosystems, following precedents set by the Epic Games lawsuit settlement in the United States.