Apple has announced a significant policy shift in Brazil, allowing developers to distribute iOS applications through alternative app stores and to process payments for digital goods and services outside of Apple’s App Store. This change is part of an agreement with Brazil’s competition regulator, the Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica (CADE), and follows similar adjustments in the European Union and Japan.
Historically, Apple has maintained strict control over the iOS app ecosystem, requiring all app distribution and in-app purchases to go through its App Store. This model has faced increasing scrutiny from regulators worldwide, leading to legal challenges and demands for more open platforms. In the United States, for instance, Apple now permits developers to direct users to external payment options following the Epic Games lawsuit.
In Brazil, the new policy introduces several safeguards to ensure user protection. These include a notarization process for iOS apps distributed outside the App Store, authorization requirements for alternative app marketplaces, and specific rules designed to protect children from inappropriate content and scams. Additionally, Apple has updated Attachment 12 of its Apple Developer Program License Agreement to specify terms for iOS apps in Brazil, implementing the Core Technology Commission (CTC) fee structure. This 5% fee applies to apps distributed from the App Store, via the web, and through alternative marketplaces.
Developers in Brazil are required to agree to the latest update of the license agreement by July 6, 2026. This deadline underscores the urgency for developers to adapt to the new regulatory environment and to explore the opportunities presented by alternative distribution channels.
This development marks a significant shift in Apple’s approach to app distribution, reflecting a broader trend towards more open and competitive digital marketplaces. For Brazilian developers, this change offers new avenues for app distribution and monetization, potentially fostering greater innovation and diversity in the app ecosystem. However, it also introduces new challenges, such as ensuring app security and compliance with Apple’s notarization process. Users, on the other hand, may benefit from a wider selection of apps and payment options, but they will need to remain vigilant about the sources from which they download applications to avoid potential security risks.
