HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing.com

Apple Opens Brazil to Third‑Party App Stores and New Payment Rules

AppleInsider •
×

Apple now lets iPhone developers in Brazil sell apps through third‑party marketplaces under a deal with CADE. The move mirrors EU rules but applies to iOS 26.5, letting developers integrate new channels immediately. Marketplace operators must gain Apple approval and meet ongoing checks. These changes aim to curb malware risks and give users payment choices while keeping Apple's security controls in place.

Under the new framework, apps sold outside the App Store face a 5% Core Technology Commission, while those on the store pay 10% or 21% on digital goods, depending on eligibility. Developers using Apple In‑App Purchase incur an extra 5% processing fee. Apple will also charge a 15% Store Services Commission on purchases through developer‑linked sites, with some qualifying for 10%.

Apple demands notarization for every app distributed via alternative stores, combining automated scans with human review to spot malware. The company also keeps Apple In‑App Purchase beside payment options, letting users distinguish between Apple‑handled and third‑party transactions. While marketplaces lift some restrictions, the firm retains parental controls and fraud‑reporting tools for younger users, ensuring compliance with Brazil’s consumer protection laws.