Follow Brazil's Ruling, Apple Will Allow Third-Party App Stores on iOS

Apple allows third-party apps on iOS Brazil/DOK Apple

JAKARTA - Following in his footsteps in Europe, Apple will allow third-party app stores on iOS for Brazilian users. That way, users can download apps other than the App Store.

This decision was made to resolve a legal matter that has been ongoing for three years with CADE, the Brazilian antimonopoly agency. In this decision, Apple will also allow third-party payment methods within the app.

Developers are also allowed to include links to external websites to complete purchase transactions. The company will make technical changes in the near future to comply with the agreed-upon demands.

Although it agreed to overhaul the iOS system in Brazil, Apple warned of the risks of this change. The tech giant stressed that this change could cause security and privacy problems for users.

"The security we have prepared will not eliminate every risk that arises from this open system," Apple said in an official statement, quoted by Reuters, Wednesday, December 24.

The case with CADE first came to light after a complaint from e-commerce platform MercadoLibre in 2022. They accused Apple of unfairly restricting the distribution of digital products and payment systems in the Latin American region.

CADE finally issued a final decision after their technical body recommended sanctions against Apple. The California-based company now has 105 days to overhaul the application system in iOS Brazil.

The agreement between Apple and CADE will be valid for the next three years with very strict supervision. If it is proven to violate the agreement, Apple will be fined up to 150 million reais or equivalent to Rp455.3 billion.