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Brazil Orders Apple to Open iOS to Alternative App Stores and Payments

CADE's binding settlement sets a 105‑day compliance window under three‑year oversight with penalties for violations.

Overview

  • CADE approved a Term of Commitment requiring Apple to allow third‑party app stores, in‑app third‑party payment methods, and links to external purchase sites on iOS in Brazil.
  • Apple must implement the changes within 105 days, with the agreement enforceable for three years and fines of up to R$150 million for breaches.
  • User‑facing notices about alternative stores and payments must be neutral and may not add extra steps, with specific safeguards required for child users.
  • Apple acknowledged the mandated changes and warned of increased privacy and security risks, saying it will maintain certain protections despite new exposures.
  • Multiple outlets, citing CADE-sourced details, report a fee framework that keeps 10% or 25% App Store commissions, adds a 5% fee for Apple’s processor, charges 15% for clickable external payment links, imposes a 5% Core Technology Commission on third‑party stores, and waives fees for static text; Apple has not published final public terms.