Apple Forced to Open iOS to Third-Party App Stores in Brazil Following Landmark Antitrust Settlement

By AiFlick News Editorial Team | Published: December 27, 2025

In a major shift for the global mobile ecosystem, Apple has reached a landmark settlement with Brazil’s antitrust regulator, CADE (Administrative Council for Economic Defense). According to an official press release from GOV.BR, Apple will officially allow third-party app stores and alternative payment methods on iOS devices within Brazil, ending a long-standing investigation into anti-competitive practices.

1. The Official Settlement: Term of Commitment to Cease (TCC)

The decision was finalized after CADE’s board approved a Term of Commitment to Cease (TCC) proposed by Apple. This legal mechanism allows Apple to resolve the investigation by implementing enforceable remedies instead of facing a formal trial.

Key Mandates from the TCC Agreement:

• Third-Party App Stores: Apple must enable alternative distribution channels, allowing users in Brazil to install apps from stores other than the official App Store.
• Side-by-Side Payments: Developers can now offer third-party payment processors directly within their apps, which must be displayed next to Apple’s own in-app purchase (IAP) system.
• External Links: Apps are now permitted to use links or buttons to direct users to external websites to complete transactions, bypassing the standard “Apple Tax.”
• Neutral Notifications: Any security warnings Apple displays regarding these alternative options must be neutral and objective, as per the official guidelines set by CADE.

2. New Fee Structure for Developers in Brazil

While the ecosystem is opening up, it is not entirely fee-free. Based on the settlement details, a new commission structure will be implemented:

Transaction Type	Commission Fee
Standard App Store Purchase	10% – 25% + 5% transaction fee
External Payment (via link/button)	15% fee
External Payment (via static text only)	0% Fee
Third-Party App Store Downloads	5% Core Technology Commission

3. Timeline and Security Concerns

Apple has been granted 105 days to fully implement these changes in the Brazilian market. Failure to comply could result in massive fines. In its official response, Apple noted that while it is complying with regulatory demands, these changes might introduce “new privacy and security risks to users.” However, CADE maintains that this move is essential for fair market competition.

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When will these changes go live?

Apple has up to 105 days from the approval date to comply, meaning the updates should appear by early April 2026.

Will this lower the cost of apps and subscriptions?

Likely yes. Developers who use static text to direct users to external sites will pay 0% to Apple, allowing them to offer significant discounts to customers.

Is Brazil the only country with these rules?

No. Brazil now joins the European Union, South Korea, and Japan as major markets where Apple has been forced to open its “walled garden.