Apple to Open iOS in Brazil, Allowing Third-Party App Stores and External Payments
Apple has agreed to loosen its grip on iOS in Brazil. From 2026, iPhone users in the country will be able to install third-party app stores. The move marks a major shift in Apple’s long-standing App Store policy.
The decision follows a settlement with Brazil’s competition regulator, CADE. It has also renewed debate in India, where Apple already faces regulatory pressure. As more countries challenge Apple’s control, attention is turning toward the Indian market.
What Changes Are Coming to iOS in Brazil?
Apple signed a Term of Commitment to Termination (TCC) with CADE to end a years-long antitrust dispute. Under the agreement, Apple will allow alternative app stores on iOS devices.
Developers will also gain the option to use external payment systems for in-app purchases. This change reduces Apple’s control over app monetisation. Regulators also directed Apple to keep warning messages neutral when users install third-party stores.
Although Apple can still charge commissions, the company has not clarified the final fee structure.
Timeline, Compliance, and Apple’s Response
CADE has given Apple 105 days to begin implementing the changes. Failure to comply could lead to fines of up to R$150 million, roughly $27 million.
Apple maintains that opening iOS introduces security and privacy risks. The company says it will continue enforcing safeguards, especially for children and younger users. According to Apple, these protections will help maintain iOS security standards.
Global Pressure Is Mounting on Apple
Brazil joins a growing list of regions challenging Apple’s App Store model. The European Union has already forced Apple to allow third-party app stores under new digital competition rules. Japan has taken similar steps.
In the United States, courts ruled against Apple in the Epic Games case. Judges ordered the company to allow developers to link to external payment options. Courts also barred Apple from limiting where those links appear inside apps.
Across markets, regulators increasingly view Apple’s policies as restrictive to competition.
Apple and the CCI: India’s Ongoing Legal Battle
India has become a key regulatory battleground for Apple. In 2024, the Competition Commission of India’s investigation arm found that Apple abused its dominant position in the iOS app market.
The regulator accused Apple of forcing developers to use its payment system. Apple rejected the findings and denied wrongdoing.
In November 2025, Apple approached the Delhi High Court to challenge India’s antitrust penalty framework. The company objected to provisions allowing penalties based on global turnover. If upheld, such rules could expose Apple to massive fines.
Could India Follow Brazil’s Path?
India’s legal framework differs from Brazil’s, but the concerns overlap. Regulators in India have stressed fair competition, consumer choice, and developer rights.
If the CCI’s conclusions stand, Apple could face pressure to open parts of iOS in India. Such a move would significantly impact India’s fast-growing app economy. Developers have long complained about high commissions and limited payment options.
For now, Apple continues to contest the case. However, global precedents are building against closed app ecosystems.
What This Means for Users and Developers
Third-party app stores could offer users more choice and competitive pricing. Developers may benefit from lower costs and greater flexibility. Apple, meanwhile, faces growing pressure on a services business that generates billions in revenue.
As Brazil prepares for its 2026 rollout, India remains firmly in focus. Whether Indian regulators push Apple toward similar changes could shape the future of iOS in one of the world’s largest smartphone markets.
