Apple will allow third-party app stores and payment systems in Brazil

Apple is changing its App Store policy in Brazil following an investigation by the antitrust regulator CADE. According to the local resource Tecnoblog, the company agreed to the terms of an agreement that involves opening access to third-party app stores and alternative payment methods on iPhone devices.

What is known

Under the new rules, developers will be able to integrate third-party payment systems for purchases in their applications. Apple is also required to allow links to external sites for payment. These links must be placed alongside the company's own services. Apple can accompany them with warnings if they are formulated neutrally.

The company is also opening up the possibility of installing third-party app stores. Under the new fee structure, Apple will not charge if payment is made through a text instruction. If the developer uses a clickable link or button, a 15% fee will apply. Purchases in the App Store remain with the current rates of 10 or 20%. A separate 5% will be charged for transactions through Apple's payment system. For third-party stores, a separate charge of 5 percent is also provided for each app download.

The company has been given 105 days to implement the changes. If the conditions are not met, Apple may be fined up to $27 million.

Source: Tecnoblog