Apple expands alternative app marketplaces and payment options to Brazil

At a glance:

• Apple allows Brazilian developers to use third-party app marketplaces and alternative payment systems on iOS.
• Changes are driven by regulatory action from Brazil's competition regulator and require iOS 26.5 or later.
• New commission structures include a 5% Core Technology Commission for apps distributed outside the App Store.

Following regulatory pressure from Brazil's competition authority, Apple has announced a significant shift in its ecosystem policy for the region. Developers in Brazil will now be permitted to distribute iPhone applications through authorized alternative app marketplaces and utilize third-party payment platforms to process transactions. This move effectively allows developers to bypass the traditional App Store and Apple's proprietary in-app purchase system, though the company is maintaining a complex web of new fees to compensate for its platform technology.

These changes are specifically tied to software running on iOS 26.5 and later. While this represents a major concession to local regulators, Apple has emphasized that the transition is not without risk. The company has warned that opening the ecosystem to third-party marketplaces introduces potential privacy and security vulnerabilities, particularly for younger users. To address these concerns, Apple is implementing several mandatory safeguards, including a new notarization process for iOS apps and a strict authorization protocol for any marketplace seeking to operate on the platform.

New fee structures and commissions

While developers gain more freedom in Brazil, the financial landscape of the iOS ecosystem is becoming increasingly granular. For apps that continue to be distributed through the official App Store, Apple is offering a reduced commission of up to 21% on digital goods and services, a decrease from the previous 30% maximum. Furthermore, many developers may qualify for even lower rates through existing initiatives, such as:

• The Small Business Program
• The Video Partner Program
• The Mini Apps Partner Program

It is important to note that if a developer chooses to use the App Store's native in-app purchase system, an additional 5% fee will be applied. For developers opting to direct users to an external website to complete a transaction, Apple will charge a 15% commission on those sales, which may be lowered to 10% in specific circumstances.

The core technology commission

Perhaps the most significant change for those moving entirely away from the App Store is the introduction of the "Core Technology Commission." Even if an app is distributed through an alternative marketplace, Apple will require a 5% commission on the sale of all digital goods and services, including paid applications. Apple justifies this fee by stating it compensates the company for the underlying tools, technologies, and services that allow developers to reach and serve iOS users.

This regulatory-driven shift in Brazil follows a global trend of increasing pressure on Apple's walled garden. The company has already implemented similar alternative marketplace and payment options in the European Union, Japan, and South Korea. Industry analysts suggest that similar regulatory frameworks in the United Kingdom and Australia may eventually force Apple to adopt comparable policies in those jurisdictions as well.

Compliance and implementation timeline

To facilitate this transition, Apple has launched a dedicated information page for Brazilian developers to navigate the new requirements. The implementation is not merely a software update but a legal shift; all current members of the Apple Developer Program must agree to an updated Apple Developer Program License Agreement that incorporates these new Brazilian terms.

Developers have a clear deadline for this transition: by July 6, 2026, all program members must have accepted the updated terms to remain compliant with the new regional operating model. As the ecosystem shifts, Apple is also doubling down on its security narrative, noting that while these changes provide flexibility, the company's App Review team—which utilized a mix of human oversight and AI to evaluate over 9.1 million submissions in 2025—remains critical to maintaining platform integrity.