Apple App Store Fees Slashed in Brazil After Antitrust Deal
Starting in early 2026, Brazilian iPhone users will see major changes to how they download apps and make purchases—thanks to a landmark antitrust settlement between Apple and Brazil’s competition watchdog. If you’ve wondered whether Apple’s App Store will finally allow third-party payment options or alternative app stores in Brazil, the answer is yes. Under a newly approved agreement, Apple will overhaul its App Store rules in the country, introducing a more flexible—and significantly cheaper—fee structure for developers.
Brazil’s Antitrust Breakthrough Sets Global Precedent
Brazil’s Administrative Council of Economic Defense (CADE) announced on December 24, 2025, that it has formally approved a “Term of Commitment to Cease” proposed by Apple, ending a three-year investigation into the tech giant’s App Store practices. The probe, launched in 2022, zeroed in on Apple’s tight control over iOS app distribution and in-app payments—practices critics say have stifled competition and inflated prices for consumers. Now, Brazil joins the EU and South Korea in forcing Apple to open its walled garden, but with a uniquely tailored fee model that could influence future global negotiations.
New Apple App Store Fee Structure Unveiled
The most striking change? A dramatic reduction in fees for developers operating in Brazil. Under the settlement, Apple will maintain its standard 10% or 25% commission on in-app purchases made through its system—but with a twist. Developers who choose to steer users to external payment methods via a simple text notice (with no clickable link) will pay zero commission. If they include a clickable button or link directing users off-app to pay, Apple will charge just 15%—far below the standard 30% once common on the App Store.
Third-Party App Stores Finally Arrive on iPhone in Brazil
For the first time in Apple’s history, iPhone users in Brazil will be able to download apps from stores other than the official App Store. The agreement mandates that Apple allow alternative app marketplaces to operate on iOS in the country. While Apple can still display security warnings, CADE insists these messages must be “neutral, objective, and limited”—meaning no scare tactics or extra confirmation steps designed to discourage users from leaving Apple’s ecosystem.
Developers Get Real Payment Choice—With Clear Rules
Brazilian developers now have unprecedented freedom to offer multiple payment options within their apps. They can present Apple’s in-app purchase system side-by-side with third-party processors like PayPal, Pix, or local banking gateways. CADE explicitly requires that alternative payment methods be given equal visual prominence—no burying them in settings or using confusing icons. This levels the playing field and empowers developers to reduce costs, potentially passing savings on to users through lower subscription prices or premium features.
Apple’s “Core Technology Fee” for Third-Party Stores
Not everything is free, however. Apple will impose a 5% Core Technology Commission on all transactions made through third-party app stores. This fee, reminiscent of the EU’s Digital Markets Act framework, compensates Apple for the use of iOS infrastructure like security, device integration, and developer tools. While still a cost, it’s far lower than the traditional 30%—and reflects a shift toward monetizing platform access rather than controlling the entire transaction funnel.
Timeline: When Will Changes Go Live?
Apple has 105 days from the settlement’s finalization to implement all required changes—meaning Brazilian users could see new app store options and revised payment flows as early as April 2026. The company has already begun updating its App Store Review Guidelines and developer documentation to align with CADE’s requirements. Industry observers expect a wave of local app store launches from Brazilian tech firms eager to capitalize on this new openness.
Why This Matters Beyond Brazil
While the changes apply only to Brazil for now, the ripple effects could be global. Apple’s willingness to accept a multi-tiered fee system—including a zero-commission path for passive external payment notices—sets a dangerous precedent (for Apple) and a hopeful one (for regulators). Countries like Japan, India, and the U.S. are watching closely. If Brazil’s model proves stable and secure, it could become a blueprint for future antitrust resolutions worldwide.
User Experience: Safer, Simpler, or More Confusing?
Critics worry that opening iOS to third-party stores might increase malware risks or confuse less tech-savvy users. But CADE’s strict neutrality rules for Apple’s warnings—and Brazil’s own robust consumer protection laws—aim to strike a balance. Apple remains responsible for vetting apps in its own store, while alternative marketplaces must comply with national cybersecurity standards. Early testing by Brazilian tech site Tecnoblog suggests the transition will be smoother than expected, with clear user prompts and consistent design language.
A Win for Local Developers and Consumers
Brazil is home to over 200 million people and a rapidly growing digital economy. Until now, local startups paid the same global App Store fees as Silicon Valley giants—despite operating in a market with lower average revenue per user. The new fee structure acknowledges this reality. By cutting commissions for external payments and enabling local payment methods like Pix (Brazil’s instant payment system), Apple’s changes could boost innovation, lower app prices, and fuel Brazil’s tech ecosystem.
Apple’s Calculated Concession
Apple’s agreement with CADE appears to be a strategic retreat rather than a full surrender. By proactively proposing the settlement, Apple likely avoided heavier penalties or operational restrictions. The new 15% and 5% fees still generate revenue, while the zero-fee option for static text links offers minimal disruption to Apple’s core business. In essence, Apple traded control for compliance—keeping its platform intact while adapting to an increasingly regulated global landscape.
What’s Next for the App Store?
As 2026 dawns, Brazil becomes the testing ground for a more open, competitive iOS experience. If the rollout succeeds—without major security breaches or user backlash—pressure will mount on Apple to extend similar models elsewhere. For now, Brazilian developers and iPhone users have reason to celebrate: more choice, lower costs, and a fairer digital marketplace are finally on the horizon. And that’s a win not just for Brazil, but for the future of app ecosystems everywhere.
