Apple opens up iOS to third-party app stores in Brazil

Apple Opens Up the iOS Ecosystem in Brazil

The walls surrounding Apple’s iOS ecosystem are shifting once again. Following similar regulatory moves in the EU and Japan, Brazil has officially pushed Apple to open its gates, requiring the tech giant to allow third-party app stores and independent payment processing for developers.

This is a significant win for developers operating in Brazil. They can now host their applications on alternative storefronts and integrate non-Apple payment systems, giving them more control over how they distribute their software and collect revenue.

Apple’s Stance on Security

As we’ve seen in other regions, Apple hasn’t been shy about expressing its concerns. The company maintains that these changes introduce potential risks, specifically citing “malware, fraud, scams, and privacy concerns” as primary worries for users.

To mitigate these risks, Apple has implemented a “Notarization” process. Every app distributed outside the official App Store—regardless of its origin—must go through a baseline security check. Apple describes this as a mix of automated scans and human oversight, though they are quick to note that it is less rigorous than the standard, full-scale App Review process.

The Financial Breakdown

Even with these new freedoms, Apple isn’t stepping away from the revenue stream. The company is maintaining a financial stake in the ecosystem, and the commission structure is quite detailed:

• Alternative Payments: Developers using third-party payment processors must still present Apple’s own payment system alongside their own.
• Commission Fees: Apple continues to collect a 15% commission on many transactions, though some developers may see this rate drop to 10%. For a smaller group, the fee remains at 21%.
• In-App Purchases: Transactions processed directly through Apple’s native system incur an additional 5% fee.
• Core Technology Commission: Perhaps the most controversial aspect, developers are now subject to a 5% “Core Technology Commission.” Apple argues this fee covers the ongoing cost of the tools and frameworks that allow these apps to exist on iOS in the first place, regardless of whether the app was downloaded from the App Store or an alternative marketplace.

While the landscape for iOS in Brazil is becoming more flexible, it’s clear that Apple intends to remain a central, paid participant in the app economy, even when it isn’t the primary gatekeeper.