Apple Opens iOS to Third-Party App Stores in Brazil Under CADE Settlement

Apple and Brazil’s antitrust regulator (CADE) reached a settlement requiring iOS 26.5 to allow third-party app marketplaces and alternative payment methods in Brazil; developers can use MarketplaceKit and third-party processors but apps distributed outside the App Store must pass Apple’s notarization review and pay new commissions (Core Technology Commission 5% and Store Services Commission 15%/10%), while Apple warns of increased malware, fraud, and privacy risks and retains protections for children.