iPhone in Brazil starts accepting rival app stores and third-party payments after agreement between Apple and Cade

Models of the iPhone 17 line at an Apple store in Taiwan, in a photo from September 19, 2025
Reuters/Ann Wang
iPhone owners in Brazil can now download applications from rival App Store stores and use third-party payment systems. The change took effect this Thursday (18) and is part of an agreement between Apple and the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (Cade), after months of dispute.
➡ What changes? In practice, from now on, iPhone owners will be able to buy and download applications from stores rivaling the App Store. When purchasing or subscribing to an application, for example, it will also be possible to use payment methods other than Apple's system. The two options (Apple's and the third party's) should be displayed side by side to users.
Apple has always been against the change, citing risks to the security and privacy of its customers.
In a statement released this Thursday, the company said that it "worked to reduce the new privacy and security risks that these changes create, offering users in Brazil the best and safest experience possible."
"Apple worked with the Brazilian regulator to introduce protections against these new threats, including important safeguards for older users. These measures include authentication of iOS apps, an authorization process for app stores and requirements that protect children from inappropriate content and scams", he added.
The change is similar to what Apple had to make in the European Union, where developers had to pay fees of up to 30% for each transaction made in their applications through the company's payment system.
Process against Apple
The decision is part of an administrative process in which Cade investigated accusations of anti-competitive practices in the company. iOS ecosystem, Apple's operating system.
The investigation against Apple at Cade began in December 2022, following a complaint from Mercado Livre that pointed out possible abuse of a dominant position in the distribution of iPhone applications.
In November 2024, Cade's General Superintendence opened an administrative proceeding and imposed a preventive measure that forced Apple to allow developers and users to choose other payment systems for in-app purchases.
In May 2025, the Court of Cade analyzed an Apple appeal, but maintained the preventive measure.
In June 2025, Cade's General Superintendence recommended the company's conviction after its investigation revealed a set of restrictive actions linked to the sale of digital content within the Apple ecosystem.
In July 2025, Apple began an agreement process, which led to the suspension of the deadline for compliance with the preventive measure. When the agreement was approved, in December 2025, the company had to end the legal process that sought to annul Cade's preventive measure.
In case of total non-compliance with the agreement, Apple could be fined up to R$150 million. Furthermore, Cade could resume the investigation and preventive measure.

Source: G1