Apple has announced significant changes to its app distribution policies in Brazil, following a settlement with the country’s antitrust authority, CADE. Starting in 2024, the company will permit users to sideload apps and utilize external payment links, addressing previous restrictions that were challenged by e-commerce leader MercadoLibre.
The legal disputes began in 2022 when MercadoLibre filed a complaint against Apple’s iOS App Store practices, which included requirements for developers to use Apple’s in-app payment system. The ongoing legal proceedings mirrored similar antitrust issues Apple has faced globally, with both companies achieving temporary victories and subsequent appeals.
The settlement, approved by CADE, mandates that Apple must implement alternative app distribution channels and enable developers to provide third-party payment options. Apple has a compliance window of 105 days to enact these changes, or face potential fines reaching R$150 million (approximately $27.1 million). Furthermore, Apple is required to communicate these new options to users in a neutral manner to avoid complicating the user experience.