Apple has announced that developers in Brazil can now distribute iOS apps through third-party app stores and process digital goods and services payments outside the App Store. This change stems from an agreement between Apple and Brazil's antitrust agency, CADE, signifying a further relaxation of Apple's control over the iPhone app ecosystem in the country.

Brazil opens up third-party distribution and external payments

This change covers two core areas: app distribution and payment processing. Developers are no longer limited to the App Store; they can also reach users through other app stores. At the same time, the payment process for digital content and services no longer has to remain entirely within the Apple ecosystem.

This makes Brazil yet another market where Apple continues to adjust its iOS business rules. Similar changes have previously occurred in the EU and Japan. In the US market, Apple has also allowed developers to direct users to use external payment methods, following a court ruling after the Epic Games lawsuit.

Apple has also added review and authorization requirements.

Apple has announced new security measures for iOS apps distributed outside the App Store in Brazil. These include notarized reviews of apps and licensing requirements for third-party app stores.

The company also stated that the rules will incorporate child content protection and anti-fraud measures to reduce the risk of inappropriate content and scams. In other words, while Apple is relaxing distribution and payment restrictions, it is still attempting to retain its ability to manage the security of its ecosystem.

Brazil uses a 5% CTC (Consumer Price Tender) structure.

Apple also updated Appendix 12 of the Apple Developer Program License Agreement, clarifying the new terms applicable to iOS apps in Brazil. According to the update, Brazil will adopt the Core Technology Commission's (CTC) fee structure.

According to Apple, this fee rate is 5%. This structure replaced the previous Core Technology Fee in January of this year. CTC applies not only to distribution within the App Store, but also to web distribution and distribution through third-party app stores.

In a broader context, Brazil's recent adjustments demonstrate that global regulators are continuously pushing for large technology platforms to open up their ecosystems rather than closed ones. For developers, increased distribution channels and payment methods mean more business options; for Apple, its iOS platform rules are being rewritten in more markets.