Starting next year, Apple will allow app sideloading and external payment links for users in Brazil, following an antitrust settlement with local regulators. Here are the details.
A bit of background
In 2022, Latin American e-commerce giant MercadoLibre filed a complaint with Brazil’s competition watchdog, the Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica (CADE), challenging Apple’s iOS App Store rules, including restrictions on app distribution and the mandatory use of Apple’s in-app payment system.
Since then, the legal back-and-forth closely followed the script seen in other countries where Apple has faced similar antitrust scrutiny. Both Apple and MercadoLibre scored legal wins, which were immediately challenged by the opposing side.
In mid-2025, CADE upheld an interim measure that would require Apple to allow alternative app distribution and third-party payment links in Brazil, subject to a compliance period.
Days before those changes were set to take effect, CADE and Apple entered a new round of negotiations, temporarily suspending enforcement.
That brings us to today’s decision.
Today’s decision
In a press release issued this morning, CADE said its board has approved Apple’s proposed Term of Commitment to Cease (TCC), a settlement mechanism used by Brazilian antitrust authorities to end investigations in exchange for enforceable remedies.
Under the settlement, Apple must allow alternative app distribution channels in Brazil, allow developers to link to external payment options, and allow third-party payment methods to be offered alongside Apple’s in-app purchase system.
... continue reading