Apple has reached an agreement with Brazil’s antitrust regulator, CADE (Administrative Council for Economic Defense), as reported by Tecnoblog. This settlement marks the end of a long-standing investigation into anti-competitive practices within the iOS ecosystem. For the first time, iPhone and iPad users in Brazil will have the freedom to purchase digital services and download apps outside of Apple’s proprietary App Store.
Under the new terms, developers in Brazil will be allowed to offer alternative payment methods directly within their apps. Crucially, Apple must also permit the installation of third-party app stores, effectively breaking the App Store’s monopoly on software distribution in the region. The investigation originally began in 2022 after a complaint from the e-commerce giant Mercado Libre, which accused Apple of abusing its dominant market position.
Developers can now steer users toward their own websites for transactions, avoiding the commission fees. The agreement also mandates that any security warnings Apple displays regarding these third-party options must be neutral and objective. This ensures that Apple cannot use scare tactics to discourage users from exploring alternative marketplaces.
In a statement, the company emphasized that opening up the ecosystem introduces new risks to user privacy and security. Apple noted it has worked to maintain safeguards, particularly for younger users, but warned that these measures cannot eliminate every threat associated with sideloading and third-party processing.
What do you think about Apple opening up iOS in Brazil? Is this a win for consumer choice, or are you concerned about the security implications of third-party stores? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Stay updated with the latest news and deals by downloading the Appleosophy App from the App Store or by visiting our website.
