A major policy shift by Apple in Brazil is drawing attention worldwide and raising questions about whether similar changes could follow in other markets like India.
Apple has agreed to allow users in Brazil to download and install third-party app stores on iOS devices starting in 2026. The decision follows a settlement with CADE, Brazil’s competition authority, under a Term of Commitment to Termination.
According to CADE, It must also allow app developers to use external payment systems for in-app purchases. Any warnings shown to users about installing third-party app stores or using outside payment options must remain neutral in tone and wording.
While It can still charge commissions on in-app purchases, the company has not clarified how the new fee structure will work.
The agreement brings an end to a long running legal dispute between Apple and Brazilian regulators. Apple has consistently argued that opening iOS to third-party app stores could weaken user security.
Brazil now joins a small but growing list of regions pushing Apple to loosen its App Store rules. Users in Europe and Japan already have access to third-party app stores on iOS. In the United States, It has faced repeated court setbacks linked to the Epic Games case.
In 2021, a US district court ruled that Apple must allow developers to guide users to non-Apple payment options. Since then, Apple has been ordered to stop practices seen as bypassing that ruling, including a 27% fee on purchases made outside the App Store. The court also barred Apple from limiting where developers place external purchase links.
In Brazil, Apple has 105 days to implement the required changes. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to R$150 million, or about $27 million.
“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,” a company spokesperson said.
“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,” the spokesperson added.
In India, Apple is locked in a separate legal fight. In November 2025, the company approached the Delhi High Court to challenge provisions that allow the Competition Commission of India to impose penalties of up to $38 billion. The dispute centers on whether global turnover should be used to calculate fines.
In 2024, the CCI investigation unit found Apple had abused its dominant position in the apps market. It has denied all allegations.
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