The Brazil Breakout: Apple Forced to Unlock iOS for Third-Party App Stores

According to details obtained by Brazilian tech outlet Tecnoblog, Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) has approved a settlement with Apple that requires changes to how the iOS App Store operates in Brazil, allowing third-party app stores and external payment options. The case stretches back to 2022 when CADE opened an investigation into whether Apple monopolised app distribution and payment methods.

Under the settlement, Apple must implement the changes within 105 days, including permitting third-party app stores and external payment links, and enabling third-party payments alongside IAP with those methods displayed side by side with Apple’s option. CADE also said that while Apple may show neutral warnings about sideloading or external payments, the messaging must be objective and non-alarmist.

The arrangement mirrors models used in the EU and, to some extent, in its U.S. concessions, and details obtained by Tecnoblog suggest a structure designed to preserve Apple’s revenue through a 5% Core Technology Commission and a 15% external-link steering fee, alongside existing 10% or 25% App Store commissions and a 5% transaction fee when using Apple’s rails.