Apple to allow 3rd-party app stores in Brazil
What's the story
Apple has announced a major change in its App Store policies for Brazil. The tech giant will now allow developers to distribute apps through approved third-party app stores and payment methods. The move comes as part of a settlement with Brazil's competition regulator, CADE, and marks the end of a dispute that started in 2022 when Latin American e-commerce giant Mercado Libre challenged Apple's App Store policies.
Safety measures
User safety remains a priority: Apple
Despite the major policy shift, Apple has assured that privacy and security will remain its top priorities. All apps distributed through alternative app stores will have to pass Apple's safety checks and comply with parental controls like Screen Time. This way, even with the introduction of third-party platforms, user safety won't be compromised.
Revenue model
New commission structure for app sales
Along with the policy changes, Apple has also introduced a new commission structure for app sales. Apps sold through other marketplaces will incur a 5% Core Technology fee, ensuring fairness while giving developers more flexibility. This is similar to the system Apple rolled out in Japan last December and is part of the company's broader overhaul of app distribution and payment rules in Brazil.