The CADE settlement, approved in late 2025, gives Apple 105 days to implement changes; non‑compliance can trigger fines and existing Apple Developer Program members must accept an updated license by early July 2026.

Starting today, iOS 26.5+ users can set an alternative marketplace as their default app installation platform via Settings, marking a procedural shift for Brazilian users.

Apple announces a policy shift in Brazil allowing developers to distribute apps via authorized alternative marketplaces and to use third‑party payment systems, following action by Brazil’s competition regulator.

To protect kids online, apps in the Kids category will not link to external transaction websites, apps serving under-18 users using alternative payments must include a parental gate, and no transactional links will be shown to under-18 users to curb scams.

Any digital goods or services sold through non‑App Store websites linked from the store will incur a 15% commission, with a reduced 10% rate for eligible programs after the first year of subscriptions.

The policy shift follows a December 2022 antitrust settlement with CADE and builds on Reuters reporting cited by News.Az.

CADE’s enforcement combines antitrust action with behavioral commitments and a three‑year enforceability window, including rights to review if goals aren’t met.

This move mirrors regulatory pressure in the EU and Japan and reflects a broader global push to challenge big platform monopolies.

Noncompliance penalties can reach up to BRL 150 million (about $27 million), with the possibility of reopening the investigation.

The changes align with a CADE settlement and mirror privacy and security protections seen in Japan, aiming to exceed EU DMA standards.

The ultimate impact depends on user uptake of alternative marketplaces and whether the new pricing structures remain attractive to developers and consumers.

A key question is whether regulators will actively enforce these settlements in Brazil versus the EU, and whether expanded distribution will be viable for smaller developers given new fees.