Apple Opens iOS Ecosystem to Alternative Stores in Brazil

Apple has officially granted developers in Brazil the freedom to distribute iOS applications through alternative marketplaces and process digital payments outside of the proprietary App Store. This shift marks a significant adjustment to the company’s long-standing control over its mobile ecosystem in the South American market.

The policy change stems from a formal agreement between the tech giant and the Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica (CADE), Brazil’s primary antitrust regulator. Similar to recent regulatory adjustments in the European Union and Japan, this move reflects a growing global trend of authorities challenging Apple’s restrictive software distribution practices.

Safety and Regulatory Compliance

To mitigate security risks associated with opening the iOS platform, Apple is implementing specific safeguards for third-party distribution in Brazil. These measures include:

• Notarization process: A mandatory review for apps distributed outside the official App Store.
• Marketplace authorization: Stricter requirements for entities operating alternative app stores.
• Content moderation: Enhanced rules to protect minors from scams and inappropriate material.

Financial Framework and Deadlines

The company has updated its Apple Developer Program License Agreement to incorporate these changes under “Attachment 12.” Developers operating under these new terms will be subject to the Core Technology Commission (CTC) fee structure.

This 5% CTC fee, which replaced the previous Core Technology Fee (CTF) in January, applies regardless of whether an app is distributed via the App Store, the web, or a third-party marketplace. Apple confirmed that developers must formally agree to these updated license terms by July 6, 2026.

This development follows a pattern of regulatory pressure worldwide, such as the legal battle with Epic Games in the United States, which compelled Apple to allow developers to link users to external payment methods. Brazil now joins the list of jurisdictions where the company is incrementally loosening its grip on the iOS app lifecycle.