Apple to Allow Third-Party App Stores in Brazil in 2026 After Settling Antitrust Case

Apple is opening another gate to its walled garden, but it's keeping the tollbooth firmly in place. According to a report from 9to5Mac, Apple is set to allow third-party app stores on iOS in Brazil beginning next year, 2026, after settling a legal battle with the country's competition watchdog that dates back to 2022.

Brazil Follows the EU's Lead

Brazil's regulator, CADE, announced it has approved a settlement agreement that obligates Apple to permit not only third-party app stores but also external payment systems for developers. This move makes Brazil the second major market after the European Union to force Apple to dismantle parts of its exclusive App Store ecosystem, following the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA).

The Fine Print: Fees Remain, Warnings Must Be Neutral

However, Apple isn't relinquishing all control. The Brazilian publication Tecnoblog reports that the company will still be able to charge fees on transactions made through external systems. A key part of the deal is that any warnings shown to users about third-party stores or payments must use 'neutral wording,' a measure that seems designed to prevent Apple from using scare tactics to dissuade users from exploring alternatives.