Starting next year, Apple will allow app sideloading and external payment links for users in Brazil, following an antitrust settlement with local regulators. Here are the details.
A bit of background
In 2022, Latin American e-commerce giant MercadoLibre filed a complaint with Brazil’s competition watchdog, the Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica (CADE), challenging Apple’s iOS App Store rules, including restrictions on app distribution and the mandatory use of Apple’s in-app payment system.
Since then, the legal back-and-forth closely followed the script seen in other countries where Apple has faced similar antitrust scrutiny. Both Apple and MercadoLibre scored legal wins, which were immediately challenged by the opposing side.
In mid-2025, CADE upheld an interim measure that would require Apple to allow alternative app distribution and third-party payment links in Brazil, subject to a compliance period.
Days before those changes were set to take effect, CADE and Apple entered a new round of negotiations, temporarily suspending enforcement.
That brings us to today’s decision.
Today’s decision
In a press release issued this morning, CADE said its board has approved Apple’s proposed Term of Commitment to Cease (TCC), a settlement mechanism used by Brazilian antitrust authorities to end investigations in exchange for enforceable remedies.
Under the settlement, Apple must allow alternative app distribution channels in Brazil, allow developers to link to external payment options, and allow third-party payment methods to be offered alongside Apple’s in-app purchase system.
Apple must also ensure that any user-facing notices about these options are “written in a neutral and objective way, and shall not create control measures that hinder the user experience”.
With today’s settlement, Apple now has up to 105 days to implement the agreed changes, subject to fines of up to R$150 million ($27.1 million) in the event of noncompliance, in addition to the possible reopening of the administrative investigation.
In a statement provided to 9to5Mac, Apple said:
In order to comply with regulatory demands from CADE, Apple is making changes that will impact iOS apps in Brazil. While these changes will open new privacy and security risks to users, we have worked to maintain protections against some threats, including keeping in place important safeguards for younger users. These safeguards will not eliminate every risk, but they will help ensure that iOS remains the best, most secure mobile platform available in Brazil and we will continue to advocate on behalf of users and developers.
Apple has yet to share details on the new fee structure or the protections it will implement for the Brazilian App Store, although they will likely follow the European, Japanese, and U.S. frameworks. The final terms should be announced in the coming weeks, as the 105-day clock is already ticking.
Update, 5:17 p.m. ET: Brazilian tech site Tecnoblog reports it obtained the upcoming App Store fee structure for Brazil directly from CADE:
In-app purchases on the App Store:
- 25% commission (standard) or 10% (special programs)
- 5% fee if using Apple’s payment system
App purchases on the App Store, but redirected outside the store:
- No fee if the redirection involves static text (no clickable link or button)
- 15% fee if the app owner includes a button/link and directs users to payment on their own website (outside the app environment)
Alternative app stores:
- 5% Core Technology Commission
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