Overview
- CADE’s settlement obliges Apple to permit third‑party app stores, offer side‑by‑side third‑party in‑app payments, and allow links to external purchase sites on iOS in Brazil.
- Apple has 105 days from the Dec. 23 decision to implement the changes, pointing to an early April 2026 rollout.
- The agreement runs for three years and allows CADE to reopen the investigation or levy penalties up to R$150 million if Apple fails to comply; Apple also agreed to drop a related court challenge.
- Apple said the measures introduce new privacy and security risks but said it will retain some protections, including safeguards for younger users.
- User notices about alternative stores and payments must be neutrally worded, and Brazilian reports cite CADE documents outlining fees such as 10% or 25% App Store commissions, a 5% transaction fee for Apple’s system, a 15% fee on external-link purchases, and a 5% Core Technology Commission for third‑party stores.