Apple has announced a major shift for developers in Brazil, allowing iOS apps to be distributed through alternative app stores and enabling payments for digital goods and services outside the App Store.
The update follows Apple's agreement with Brazil's competition authority, CADE, and places the country alongside other markets where the company has already relaxed its platform rules, including the European Union and Japan.
The new framework introduces several safeguards for users and developers. Apps distributed outside the App Store will go through a notarization process, while alternative marketplaces must meet authorization requirements. Apple also said the rules are designed to better protect children from inappropriate content and scams.
Apple has also revised its developer agreement for Brazil, applying the Core Technology Commission structure. The 5% fee, introduced after the company updated its business terms in the EU, applies to apps distributed through the App Store, the web, and third-party marketplaces.
Developers in Brazil will need to accept the updated license terms by July 6, 2026. The move signals a broader evolution in how mobile platforms may operate, with more flexibility for developers and more choice for users.