Apple to Allow Alternative App Marketplaces and Payments in Brazil

Apple today announced changes to iOS in Brazil that will let developers distribute apps through alternative app marketplaces and offer payment options outside of Apple In-App Purchase.

The changes follow an agreement with Brazil's competition regulator, the Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica (CADE), and are available for developers to integrate beginning today as part of iOS 26.5.

Alternative App Marketplaces

Developers will be able to distribute iOS apps in Brazil through alternative app marketplaces, rather than only through the App Store. Apple says those marketplaces must be authorized by Apple and meet ongoing requirements for developers and users.


Apps distributed outside the App Store will not go through the same App Review process. Instead, Apple will require Notarization for iOS apps, a baseline review that combines automated checks and human review. The company says Notarization is focused on basic functionality and protection from known malware, viruses, and other serious security threats, but is less comprehensive than App Review.

Alternative Payments

For iOS apps distributed through the App Store in Brazil, developers will be able to include an alternative payment processing method in the app, link users to a website to complete a transaction, or use Apple In-App Purchase.

Apple says alternative payment options must be presented alongside Apple In-App Purchase so users can tell when they are transacting through Apple. Purchases made through Apple In-App Purchase will continue to support Apple refund tools, subscription management, payment history, and Report a Problem.


For purchases made through alternative payment processing or on the web, Apple says it will not be able to issue refunds and will have less ability to help users with issues, scams, or fraud. Users may also need to share payment information with additional parties.

Brazil Business Terms

Apple is also introducing updated business terms for iOS apps in Brazil. The company says it will continue charging only on the sale of digital goods and services, and that developers who do not sell digital goods or services will continue to pay no Apple commissions or fees.

Developers with iOS apps on the App Store in Brazil will pay an App Store commission of either 10% for the vast majority of developers, including Small Business Program members and subscriptions after their first year, or 21% on digital goods and services transactions.

Developers that use Apple In-App Purchase will pay an additional 5% Apple payment processing fee. Transactions for digital goods and services made on a website linked from an App Store app will carry a 15% store services commission, or 10% for developers in the eligible programs and subscriptions after their first year.

For iOS apps distributed outside the App Store in Brazil, Apple will charge a 5% Core Technology Commission on the sale of digital goods and services, including paid apps.

Child Safety Rules

Apple says it worked with Brazilian regulators to preserve some guardrails for younger users as alternative distribution and payment options are introduced.

Apps in the Kids category on the App Store will not be allowed to include links to websites for transactions. For users under 18, App Store apps that use alternative payment processing must include a parental gate before a purchase, and App Store apps cannot link users under 18 to websites for transactions.

Apple says it is also working on a new API for developers using alternative payments, allowing parents to monitor and approve purchases made outside of Apple In-App Purchase. Developers will still need to provide age ratings whether an app is distributed through the App Store or an alternative app marketplace.

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