Apple agrees to allow third-party app stores on iOS in Brazil following antitrust settlement

Apple has reached a settlement with Brazil’s antitrust regulator, the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), that will require the company to open its iOS ecosystem to third-party app stores and alternative payment systems in the country. The agreement, approved on December 23, 2025, resolves a three-year investigation into alleged anticompetitive practices surrounding the App Store.
The settlement stems from a complaint filed in 2022 by MercadoLibre, Latin America’s leading e-commerce platform, which accused Apple of abusing its dominant position in iOS app distribution. MercadoLibre argued that Apple’s policies—restricting apps to the official App Store and mandating the use of its in-app purchase (IAP) system—limited competition and imposed high commissions on developers.
Under the terms of the Termo de Compromisso de Cessação (TCC), or Commitment to Cease Term, Apple is obligated to:
• Enable alternative app distribution channels, allowing third-party app stores on iOS devices in Brazil.
• Permit developers to use third-party payment processors for in-app purchases, displayed side-by-side with Apple’s IAP system.
• Allow apps to promote external offers and direct users to transactions outside the app via links or buttons.
• Ensure any user notifications about these options are neutral and objective, without introducing barriers that hinder the user experience.
• Implement special safeguards for child users, developed in collaboration with CADE.
Apple has up to 105 days from the homologation date to implement these changes, potentially aligning with an upcoming iOS update in early 2026. The agreement lasts three years once the new terms become mandatory for developers, with potential extensions or reviews if pro-competitive goals are not met.
Failure to comply could result in fines of up to R$150 million (approximately $27 million), and the investigation could be reopened. Apple has also agreed to withdraw related litigation challenging earlier preventive measures imposed by CADE.
In a statement to 9to5Mac, Apple emphasized its commitment to compliance while expressing concerns: “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. These safeguards will not eliminate every risk, but they will help ensure that iOS remains the best, most secure mobile platform available in Brazil and we will continue to advocate on behalf of users and developers.”
MercadoLibre acknowledged CADE’s efforts to address competitive issues but noted that the settlement “only partially addresses the needs of more balanced rules” in the mobile ecosystem.
This development places Brazil alongside the European Union, Japan, and South Korea as regions where Apple has been compelled to allow alternative app marketplaces and payment options due to regulatory pressure. It reflects a growing global trend of scrutiny on Big Tech platforms’ control over digital markets.
The changes are expected to benefit developers by reducing transaction costs and fostering innovation, while giving Brazilian iPhone users greater choice in app installation and payments. However, experts warn that sideloading and third-party stores could introduce risks like malware if not properly managed.
MacDailyNews Take: As one of the world’s fastest-growing app markets, Brazil’s decision could influence similar cases in other emerging economies. Apple continues to defend its ecosystem as essential for user privacy and security, but regulatory momentum worldwide suggests further openings may be on the horizon.

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