The Conselho Administrativo of Defesa Econômica (Cade) recently approved an Termo of Compromisso of Cessação (TCC) proposed by the Este agreement aims to resolve an investigation into anti-competitive practices within the company’s iOS ecosystem.
With the decision, the technology giant is committed to allowing developers to offer alternative purchase options and payment systems in their applications for Brazilian users. The measure marks a significant step in easing Apple’s control over its platform.
Owners of iPhone devices in the country will now have the freedom to make purchases and subscriptions to digital goods outside of App Store, in addition to being able to access third-party application stores. The deadline for implementing these changes is 105 days, with the agreement valid for three years.
New rules for the Brazilian App Store
From now on, Apple must detach the mandatory use of its internal payment processing system (IAP), which was previously the only option for transactions within the applications. Essa change paves the way for a greater variety of choices for the consumer.
Developers will have the prerogative to display alternative payment options and offers side by side with the standard Apple solution. Além Furthermore, any security warnings displayed by the company will need to adopt neutral and objective language, avoiding directions.
History of antitrust investigation
The investigation that culminated in this agreement began in 2022, following a complaint filed by Grupo Mercado Livre to Cade. The representation pointed to a possible abuse of Apple’s dominant position in the application distribution market for iOS devices in Brasil.
The regulatory body identified conduct such as the prohibition of the distribution of third-party digital goods and services in applications and the exclusive imposition of its payment system for in-app transactions. Essas practices included clauses that prevented developers from informing their users about external alternatives.
In November 2024, the Superintendência-General of the Cade initiated the administrative process and adopted a preventive measure to increase freedom of choice in the market. Essa measure was maintained by Tribunal in May 2025, following an appeal filed by the company.
Details of the agreement and its implications
Termo of Compromisso of Cessação establishes specific obligations that aim to eliminate the competitive risks identified by Cade. The Apple will have a period of 105 days to adapt the iOS ecosystem to the Brasil, enabling “sideloading” – the installation of applications from sources other than the official App Store – and the integration of alternative stores.
With these changes, developers will be able to promote external transactions directly in their applications, including the use of popular payment methods on Brasil, such as PIX. The agreement also defines a new commission structure that will be charged by Apple, now disaggregated by types of service.
In case of total non-compliance with the established obligations, the agreement provides for the imposition of a fine that could reach R$150 million, in addition to the resumption of the investigation and the previous preventive measure.
The positioning of Apple and security challenges
Apple reported that it is implementing the changes required by Cade to comply with Brazilian regulations, highlighting its efforts to preserve protections against cyber threats. The company highlighted the importance of safeguards for users, especially younger ones.
The company argues that the changes could introduce new risks to users’ privacy and security, but assured that measures were adopted to mitigate some of these challenges. iOS will continue to be a secure mobile platform in the country, with the company maintaining its advocacy for users and developers.
Global mobile ecosystem regulation scenario
The Brazilian decision aligns the country with a global regulatory movement, with jurisdictions around the world investigating and imposing restrictions similar to Apple. Na União Europeia, for example, Lei of Mercados Digitais (DMA) has already imposed the opening for sideloading and alternative payments since 2024.
Countries such as Japão, Coreia of Sul, Estados Unidos and Essas initiatives aim to encourage competition in application distribution and digital payment processing.
The international trend demonstrates a growing concern about the concentration of market power and the need to guarantee a fairer environment for developers and consumers. No Brasil, this agreement ends legal litigation initiated by Apple against a preventive measure by Cade.
Transparency in commissions and consumer benefits
The Termo of Compromisso of Cessação brings an important regulation on the fees charged by the Anteriormente, the standard commission could reach 30% on in-app purchases, made exclusively through the company’s own system.
Charges are now presented in a disaggregated manner, distinguishing the use of distribution by App Store from payment processing. Desenvolvedores who choose external alternatives will have a different commission structure, which can generate savings.
Monitoring and evolution of the antitrust process
Cade will closely monitor compliance with the obligations established throughout the three years of the agreement. Apple will be required to submit periodic reports so that the body can verify the effective implementation of the changes.
Any non-compliance, whether partial or total, will trigger the sanctions provided for in the TCC. The administrative process remains suspended, but can be reopened at any time to investigate new conduct or irregularities that may arise.
