Apple announced Thursday it will permit developers to distribute iOS apps through alternative marketplaces and third-party payment systems in Brazil. The policy change takes effect with the release of iOS 26.5.
The update complies with a December 2025 settlement agreement reached with Brazil's antitrust authority, CADE. This agreement concludes a three-year investigation initiated by a complaint from e-commerce firm MercadoLibre.
Apple is implementing new security safeguards, including app notarization and an authorization process for marketplaces. The move follows similar regulatory pressures and platform changes implemented by Apple in the European Union.