At a Glance
Apple is now allowing alternative app marketplaces and payment systems on iPhones in Brazil, effective June 18, 2026. This significant shift, driven by regulatory pressure, permits developers to distribute apps outside Apple’s official App Store and use their own payment processors. While offering more choice, Apple will still review apps and introduce new fees for alternative payment methods, a move criticized by Epic Games as insufficient.
- Apple will permit alternative app stores and payment systems on iPhones in Brazil starting June 18, 2026.
- This change is a direct response to pressure from Brazilian antitrust regulators.
- Developers can distribute apps through third-party marketplaces and use their own payment processing.
- Apple will continue to review apps for security and introduce new fees for developers using alternative payment systems.
- Epic Games has criticized the new terms, arguing they still impose unfair restrictions and fees.
- The changes are currently limited to Brazil and mirror similar adjustments made in the European Union.
Apple Opens iPhone to Alternative App Stores in Brazil
Apple has made a significant shift in how iPhones operate in Brazil, allowing alternative app marketplaces and payment systems starting June 18, 2026. This move, which applies only to iOS devices in Brazil, comes in response to regulatory pressure. Epic Games, a vocal critic of Apple’s policies, has already condemned the new terms.
Introducing Alternative App Stores and Payment Options in Brazil
For the first time, iPhone users in Brazil can download apps from stores other than Apple’s official App Store. This marks a major departure from Apple’s long-standing policy, which has exclusively offered apps through its own marketplace since 2008. Developers can now establish their own app marketplaces or utilize third-party platforms for app distribution, billing, and updates.
Apple announced these changes on June 18, stating they are intended to comply with local laws and regulations in Brazil. The company also emphasized its commitment to maintaining user privacy and security while offering greater choice.
The new regulations took effect immediately, allowing developers to begin implementing alternative distribution methods.
Key Changes for Developers in Brazil
The most significant change is the permission for developers to distribute apps through alternative app marketplaces, which are not operated by Apple. These third-party stores will manage their own distribution, billing, and update processes.
Developers can also now use alternative payment systems, bypassing Apple’s in-app purchase system. This allows them to process payments directly or through third-party payment processors.
Despite these changes, Apple will continue to review apps for safety and security. Furthermore, new fees will be imposed on apps utilizing alternative payment methods. While specific amounts were not detailed, reports suggest these fees will be similar to those in the European Union, where Apple charges a 3% transaction fee for non-Apple payment systems, plus a core technology fee for certain apps.
Apple states these fees are necessary to cover platform costs and security measures. Developers who continue to use Apple’s payment system will still be subject to the standard commission rates, typically ranging from 15% to 30%.
These modifications are exclusive to the Brazilian market and do not extend to other countries, as Apple aims to adhere to local legal requirements without altering its global business model.
Epic Games Criticizes Apple’s New Terms
Epic Games, known for Fortnite, has voiced strong criticism of Apple’s new terms in Brazil. The company, which has been in a long-standing dispute with Apple over App Store policies since 2020, argues that the new fees and conditions still unfairly limit competition.
Epic contends that Apple is forcing developers into a choice between high commissions on its payment system or new fees for alternative systems. In a statement, Epic declared, “This is not real choice. Apple is simply swapping one set of fees for another.”
Epic Games advocates for a fully open iOS platform, enabling users to install apps from any source and developers to use any payment system without Apple’s involvement.
While Brazilian regulators have not yet commented on Epic’s criticism, Apple’s proactive changes suggest significant pressure from the Brazilian government.
Understanding the Regulatory Pressure in Brazil
Brazil’s antitrust regulator has been investigating Apple’s App Store policies for years, mirroring the European Union’s probe that led to the Digital Markets Act. Brazilian regulators have argued that Apple’s practices stifle competition and inflate consumer prices.
Apple’s announcement is a direct response to this regulatory pressure, as the company seeks to preempt a potentially unfavorable court ruling by making voluntary changes.
Brazil represents a major smartphone market, and these changes could significantly impact its app economy by providing developers with more options and potentially higher revenue retention.
However, Apple retains oversight, requiring all apps to undergo safety reviews and alternative marketplaces to meet specific standards. Developers must also accept Apple’s new business terms, including the new fees.
It remains to be seen if Brazilian regulators will find these changes sufficient. Further demands for openness could arise in the future, but for now, Apple has made a concession long sought by critics.
Comparison with European Union Regulations
Apple’s adjustments in Brazil closely resemble those implemented in the European Union in March 2024, following the Digital Markets Act. The EU legislation mandated Apple to open its platform to alternative app stores.
In the EU, Apple introduced a fee structure where developers using alternative payment systems pay a 3% transaction fee and a core technology fee of 0.50 euros per install after the first million. Alternative marketplaces in the EU also face Apple’s review and must adhere to specific rules.
Brazil appears to be adopting a similar framework. Apple stated the changes are “tailored to comply with local regulations,” suggesting potential variations in fees. The core principle remains consistent: developers can operate outside Apple’s ecosystem but will incur charges for using the iPhone platform.
A key distinction is that EU changes were legally mandated, whereas Apple’s actions in Brazil were preemptive. Nevertheless, the outcome is similar, with both regions now permitting alternative app stores.
Other countries, including Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, are considering similar legislation, and Brazil’s move could influence these developments.
Guidance for Developers on New Brazilian Rules
Developers in Brazil face new opportunities and complexities. They can now bypass the App Store for distribution and potentially reduce commission costs.
However, they must navigate new fees. Using alternative payment systems will likely incur a transaction fee, estimated around 3% based on the EU model, and possibly a per-install fee for high-volume apps.
Developers will need to establish or partner with alternative marketplaces, a process requiring technical effort and adherence to Apple’s requirements. Larger companies may launch their own stores, while smaller developers might adopt a wait-and-see approach.
Users will need to adapt to installing apps from sources outside the App Store. Apple plans to display warning messages to mitigate malware risks, though critics argue this may deter users from alternative stores.
Developers interested in the new system must review Apple’s updated developer agreement and business terms, as participation requires explicit opt-in.
Future Outlook for App Distribution in Brazil
The introduction of alternative app stores in Brazil is expected in the coming weeks, with companies like Epic Games potentially launching their platforms swiftly. Other independent store operators may also emerge.
Brazilian regulators will monitor the situation closely and may push for further liberalization if Apple’s terms are deemed too restrictive. This could lead to the removal of certain fees or a loosening of rules.
Globally, countries like Japan are advancing legislation for alternative app stores, while the UK’s Digital Markets Unit is investigating. The US Congress has also considered similar bills.
Apple is attempting to balance platform revenue with regulatory compliance. Critics, however, view Apple’s fees as a strategy to maintain its market dominance. The debate over app store control continues.
For now, iPhone users and developers in Brazil gain increased freedom in app acquisition and payment methods, marking a significant shift for Apple’s controlled ecosystem.
Tech media and analysts anticipate this could reshape the Brazilian app market, potentially leading to lower prices and increased innovation due to developer alternatives to Apple’s commission structure.
This transition introduces uncertainty, requiring developers to decide on their distribution strategy and potentially confusing users. Apple, meanwhile, will continue to levy fees it deems appropriate.
Epic Games remains committed to advocating for an open app ecosystem, and Brazil represents a step towards that goal, even if a fully open platform is still distant.
These changes are specific to iOS devices in Brazil and do not affect Android phones, which already support alternative app stores, highlighting Android’s historically more open nature.
Apple’s decision demonstrates the power of regulatory intervention. Without pressure from Brazilian authorities, these changes might not have occurred, providing a foothold for companies like Epic and Spotify in their long-standing advocacy.
The actual adoption rate of alternative stores by developers remains to be seen, with new fees potentially acting as a deterrent for some. However, for proponents of a more open app ecosystem, this is a notable victory.
This story is ongoing, with further details on fees and adoption expected in the coming months. The core development remains: Apple has opened its iPhone to alternative app stores in Brazil, a move already met with criticism from Epic Games, signaling a potential turning point in the control of app store distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will iPhones in Brazil allow alternative app stores?
Apple will allow alternative app stores and payment systems on iPhones in Brazil starting June 18, 2026. This change is in response to regulatory requirements in the country.
Why is Apple allowing alternative app stores in Brazil?
Apple is making these changes to comply with local laws and regulations in Brazil, particularly from the country's antitrust regulator. This move is seen as a way to avoid potentially harsher legal outcomes.
What are the key changes for developers in Brazil?
Developers can now distribute apps through alternative marketplaces and use their own payment systems for in-app purchases. This offers more flexibility compared to Apple's previous exclusive App Store model.
Will Apple still charge fees for apps using alternative stores or payments?
Yes, Apple will introduce new fees for apps that use alternative payment systems. While specific rates are not fully detailed, they are expected to be similar to those in the European Union, potentially around 3% plus other charges.
How has Epic Games reacted to these changes?
Epic Games has criticized Apple's new terms, stating that the imposed fees and conditions do not offer genuine choice and are merely a different set of restrictions. They continue to advocate for a fully open app ecosystem.
Do these changes apply to other countries besides Brazil?
No, these specific changes apply only to iOS devices within Brazil. Apple has made similar, legally mandated changes in the European Union but has not extended them globally.
