Even more countries force Apple to allow alternatives to the App Store

Apple is in the midst of a series of regulatory blows that force it to open up iOS in ways it certainly doesn’t like. Only in the last week, the company had to change its policies in two major markets, and more are likely to follow.

Apple will allow third-party app stores in Brazil

Starting next year, Apple is set to allow alternative app stores, third-party payment systems for in-app purchases, and external payment links on iOS in Brazil. The reason for the changes is an antitrust settlement with the Brazilian competition regulator, following a years-long legal back-and-forth.

Brazilian regulator CADE said in a press release (translated source) that its board has approved a settlement proposal by Apple. The company will still be able to charge fees, which were not detailed in the press release, but it needs to use neutral language when warning users about third-party app stores and payment systems.

Apple has 105 days after today’s settlement to implement the changes. If the company doesn’t comply, it could be subject to fines of up to R$150 million (about $27.2 million when directly converted). In a statement the company shared with 9to5Mac, it insisted that those “changes will open new privacy and security risks to users,” but it has worked on protections against some of the threats.

Opening up iOS around the world

Regulators in other countries have already forced Apple to change its App Store policies. Last week, the company announced it would allow third-party app stores and payment processing options in Japan. That was done to comply with the country’s Mobile Software Competition Act (MSCA), which just went into effect.



Earlier, Apple was forced to allow alternative payment providers for apps in South Korea and to open various parts of iOS in the European Union. The company may face similar regulations in the UK and Australia.

Make it global already

As much as I like Apple’s software, I believe consumer must have much more control over how they use their phones. Of course, that could make them more vulnerable to security risks, but such harsh limitations are not the best security solution.

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