Apple opens up App Store to new competition in Brazil

Apple opened its App Store to alternative app marketplaces in Brazil on April 11, 2024, following a ruling by the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE). This decision allows developers to offer apps through third-party stores, a move that could significantly alter the competitive landscape for iOS applications in the country. Previously, Apple mandated that all app downloads on iPhones and iPads must go through its own App Store, a policy that has faced scrutiny from regulators worldwide. The Brazilian antitrust authority's decision mandates that Apple must permit the installation of apps from alternative sources and allow developers to use alternative payment systems. This change is a direct response to CADE's investigation into Apple's alleged anti-competitive practices, which concluded that the company's "App Store" policy created significant barriers to entry for competing app distribution platforms. The ruling requires Apple to implement these changes within 30 days. This development in Brazil mirrors similar regulatory pressures Apple has faced in the European Union, where the Digital Markets Act (DMA) has also compelled the company to allow alternative app marketplaces.