Apple Revises App Store Fee Structure in Brazil

After reaching a settlement with the country’s competition regulator known as CADE, Apple is opening up its iOS platform and introducing a new fee structure for developers and app purchases in Brazil (via MacRumors).

These changes mark a significant shift from Apple’s previously closed platform model and mirror similar regulatory outcomes seen in the European Union, Japan and South Korea.

The antitrust case began in 2022 after complaints from companies that Apple’s rules limited competition by forcing developers to use its App Store and its in-app purchase system exclusively. Under Apple’s traditional terms, developers could only distribute apps through the official App Store and had to use Apple’s payment processing for digital goods and subscriptions.

Under the new agreement with CADE, Apple will be required to allow alternative app stores on iPhone and iPad devices sold in Brazil. Developers will also be permitted to offer third party payment options and include links or buttons that take users to external payment pages outside Apple’s App Store.

Alongside these distribution and payment changes Apple must implement a new fee framework that sets different charges depending on how purchases are made. Apps sold through the traditional App Store will remain subject to commissions of up to 25% or a reduced 10% rate for qualifying developers. If developers use Apple’s own payment system, an additional 5% fee will apply.

Moreover, when an app includes a clickable link or button that directs a user to an external payment site, Apple will charge 15%. Third party app stores operating on iOS in Brazil will pay a 5% Core Technology Commission. Static text in an app that informs users about external payment options without a clickable link will not trigger fees.

While Apple has agreed to comply with the regulator’s demands, the company has expressed concern that allowing alternative app stores and external payment systems could introduce privacy and security risks for users.

CADE has given Apple up to 105 days after the new rules become legally binding to make all required technical and contractual changes.