Apple expands app distribution options in Brazil
New iOS rules in Brazil will allow developers to bypass Apple’s payment system for digital purchases.
Apple will introduce changes to iOS in Brazil following an agreement with the country’s competition regulator, Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica.
The changes, beginning with iOS 26.5, will give developers new options to distribute apps through alternative app marketplaces, operate those marketplaces and process payments for digital goods and services outside Apple’s In-App Purchase system.
Apple said the changes reflect a recent agreement with CADE and are intended to create new options for developers in Brazil. The agreement follows competition scrutiny of Apple’s App Store rules in the country.
The company warned that alternative app distribution and payment options may create new risks, including malware, fraud, scams and privacy and security concerns. It said it has worked with CADE on measures designed to reduce those risks, including app notarisation, marketplace authorisation and protections for children.
Apple also said all current members of the Apple Developer Program must agree to updated licence terms by 6 July 2026 to access the new options in Brazil. The company has made online appointments available for developers seeking more information.
Why does it matter?
The changes show how competition enforcement is reshaping closed app ecosystems beyond the EU. Brazil’s intervention adds pressure on Apple to allow alternative distribution and payment models while preserving security and privacy safeguards. The case also highlights a recurring policy tension: regulators want more competition and developer choice, while Apple argues that opening iOS can increase risks for users.
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