Brazil forces Apple to open iOS to third-party app stores
What's the story
Apple has agreed to allow third-party app stores and alternative payment methods on its iPhones in Brazil. The move comes as part of a settlement deal with the country's antitrust regulator, CADE. The agreement follows complaints from e-commerce platform MercadoLibre over Apple's alleged restrictions on digital goods distribution and in-app purchases.
Risk acknowledgment
Apple's statement on the agreement
In response to the settlement, Apple acknowledged that these changes could expose users to new privacy and security risks. The tech giant said it has "worked to maintain protections against some threats," but admitted that "these safeguards will not eliminate every risk."
Settlement details
CADE's decision and Apple's compliance timeline
CADE's internal panel approved Apple's settlement proposal, which also mandates the company to permit third-party payment processing for in-app purchases. The agreement will be effective for three years from the time it becomes enforceable for app developers. Apple has 105 days to implement these changes or risk a fine of up to R$150 million ($27 million).
Partial satisfaction
MercadoLibre's response to Apple's settlement
Latin American e-commerce platform MercadoLibre, which had initially filed the complaint, acknowledged CADE's efforts "to face the competitive challenges" of iOS and Apple's App Store service in Brazil. However, it also noted that the agreement "only partially addresses the needs of more balanced rules."