{"id":69340,"date":"2026-06-18T18:44:08","date_gmt":"2026-06-18T16:44:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.apfelpatient.de\/?p=69340"},"modified":"2026-06-18T18:46:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T16:46:09","slug":"apple-opens-ios-app-stores-to-payments-in-brazil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.apfelpatient.de\/en\/news\/apple-oeffnet-ios-in-brasilien-app-stores-zahlungen","title":{"rendered":"Apple opens iOS to App Stores and payments in Brazil"},"content":{"rendered":"

What the EU enforced with the Digital Markets Act is now reaching South America: Apple must open iOS in Brazil to alternative app marketplaces and external payment methods. This decision follows an agreement with the competition authority CADE, ending a three-year antitrust investigation. Apple is implementing the requirements \u2013 but at the same time warns of new risks to security, data privacy, and especially for children.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The starting point was a complaint filed in 2022 by the Latin American e-commerce platform MercadoLibre. The accusation: Apple was hindering competition on iOS by requiring users to use its own App Store and payment processing system. After three years of proceedings, the Brazilian competition authority CADE (Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econ\u00f4mica) approved a commitment proposed by Apple at the end of December 2025 and gave the company a 105-day implementation period. This period has now expired: As of today, the new options are available as part of iOS 26.5. For Apple, a key selling point is also at stake, as the company regularly cites the billions of dollars in fraudulent transactions that the App Store blocks each year<\/a> \u2013 a safeguard that no longer applies in this form outside of its own store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How the agreement was reached<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The path to this point was fraught with conflict. In mid-2025, CADE upheld a preliminary injunction that would compel Apple to open up to alternative distribution channels and payment links \u2013 accompanied by fluctuating court rulings, with sometimes Apple and sometimes the opposing side prevailing. The case was finally brought to a close by a so-called Termo de Compromisso de Cessa\u00e7\u00e3o, a common settlement instrument in Brazil that allows companies to end legal proceedings by agreeing to enforceable conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The agreement runs for three years, starting from the date the new conditions become binding for developers, and can be extended or reviewed if competition targets are not met. Violations can be punished with fines of up to 150 million reais, and the proceedings can be reopened. In return, Apple withdrew pending lawsuits against previous protective measures taken by the agency. Another condition concerns the tone: Apple must keep security warnings about sideloading or third-party payments neutral and factual and may not use them as a deterrent obstacle in the user experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternative app marketplaces \u2013 Notarization as a filter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to Apple, the App Store remains the central and safest place to obtain apps in Brazil. However, developers will also be allowed to distribute their iOS apps through alternative marketplaces. These marketplaces must be authorized by Apple and meet ongoing requirements. Apps downloaded from outside the App Store, however, do not undergo the App Review process \u2013 Apple considers this an increased risk of fraud, abuse, and content that would not be permitted in the official store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a minimum security measure, Apple is introducing a basic review process called Notarization for all iOS apps. This combines automated checks with human review and is designed to ensure that an app functions as promised and is free of known malware, viruses, or other security threats. However, Apple explicitly states that Notarization is less comprehensive than the regular App Review. The continued importance of consistent malware protection is demonstrated by the measures available to secure Apple devices against malware<\/a> \u2013 an aspect that is gaining in significance with the opening up of Apple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New payment methods in App Store apps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Developers are also getting more flexibility when it comes to payments. Within the App Store, users in Brazil can continue to use Apple In-App Purchase to buy digital goods and services, manage subscriptions, request refunds, and view their payment history. In addition, developers can now offer an alternative payment method directly within the app or link to a website to complete a transaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These alternative payment options must always appear alongside Apple In-App Purchase so that it remains clear when a payment is processed through Apple. Users who choose Apple In-App Purchase retain familiar features such as refund support, subscription management, and the "Report a Problem" function. Only transactions processed through Apple In-App Purchase appear in the purchase history and subscription management. With alternative payment methods or when switching to an external website, Apple cannot issue refunds and can only provide limited assistance in cases of problems, fraud, or scams. Furthermore, payment information may need to be shared with additional parties, which introduces new privacy and security risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An overview of the new commission rates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In parallel with the new distribution and payment methods, Apple is adjusting the terms and conditions for iOS apps in Brazil. One fundamental principle remains unchanged: a commission continues to be charged exclusively on the sale of digital goods and services. Developers who do not sell digital goods will continue to pay no commissions or fees. The economic leverage the store represents for Apple is evident when looking at the App Store ecosystem, which has generated $1.4 trillion in revenue<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fee<\/th>Height<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
App Store commission<\/td>10 % for most developers \u2013 including participants in the Small Business Program, the Video Partner Program and the Mini Apps Partner Program, as well as subscriptions after the first year \u2013 otherwise 21 % on digital goods and services<\/td><\/tr>
Apple Payment Processing<\/td>Additional 5 % when using Apple In-App Purchase<\/td><\/tr>
Store services commission<\/td>15 % on purchases made through a website linked by the app; reduced to 10 % for the aforementioned programs and for subscriptions after the first year.<\/td><\/tr>
Core Technology Commission<\/td>5 % on the sale of digital goods and services in apps distributed outside the App Store \u2013 including paid apps<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

According to Apple, the Core Technology Commission is intended to compensate developers for the tools, technologies, and services they use to build and distribute their iOS apps. Ultimately, the company says, developers selling digital goods and services in Brazil will pay the same or less than they do now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What's changing for child protection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Apple's biggest reservation concerns the protection of younger users. Parents expect apps and games in the Kids category of the App Store to be age-appropriate, protect children's data, and limit certain actions through security prompts. The new distribution and payment methods, however, could expose children to additional risks. Apple points to similar regulatory interventions in Europe and Japan that made previously prohibited apps available on iOS \u2013 including pornography apps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order to at least maintain some safeguards, Apple, together with regulators in Brazil, has established several guidelines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n