Apple today announced that Brazilian developers will be allowed to distribute iPhone apps through alternative app marketplaces on iOS and accept payments through third-party platforms. In other words, Brazilian developers will be able to bypass the App Store and Apple’s in-app purchasing system, but there will still be fees.
Alternative application markets must be authorized by Apple and must meet current requirements. For apps still distributed through the App Store, developers will be able to include an alternative payment processing method in their app and/or link users to a website to complete a transaction.
These changes are available on iOS 26.5 and later and are the result of a regulatory action by the Brazilian competition regulator. Apple has added a new page to its website with additional details for Brazilian developers.
Apple said these changes introduced privacy and security risks for users, including children. The company has implemented safeguards to mitigate these risks, including a notarization process for iOS apps, an authorization process for app marketplaces, and limitations on external links and alternative payments for users under 18 years of age.
Apple has already allowed alternative app stores and/or third-party payment systems on iOS in the EU, Japan and South Korea, and it will likely be forced to do so in the UK and Australia as well, due to similar regulations in those countries.
Costs
iOS apps distributed on the App Store in Brazil will be able to benefit from a lower commission of up to 21% on digital goods and services, compared to a maximum of 30%, but many developers qualify for a commission as low as 10% thanks to things like the Small Business Program, the Video Partner Program, and the Mini Apps Partner Program.
If an app uses the App Store’s in-app purchasing system, there is an additional 5% fee.
Developers with iOS apps on the App Store in Brazil will pay a 15% commission on digital goods and services transactions made on a website linked by the developer’s app. In some cases, this commission will be reduced to 10%.
iOS applications distributed outside the App Store in Brazil will have to pay a 5% commission on the sale of digital goods and services, including paid applications. Apple says this “Core Technology Commission” pays it for the tools, technologies and services that allow developers to offer applications to iOS users.
By July 6, 2026, all current Apple Developer Program members will be required to agree to an updated Apple Developer Program License Agreement, which includes new terms allowing these options in Brazil.
