In recent news, Apple has been instructed to enable alternative app stores on its iOS platform in Brazil within 90 days. This was reported by Brazilian publication Valor International and 9to5Mac. Previously, Apple was also compelled to permit third-party app stores on iOS in the EU due to the Digital Markets Act.
The judge overseeing the case stated that “Apple has already complied with similar obligations in other countries without demonstrating significant impact or irreparable harm to its economic model,” according to Valor.
The investigation into Apple by Brazil commenced following a complaint from Mercado Livre in 2022. In November, Brazil mandated that Apple allow developers to offer alternative in-app payment options and enable sideloading within 20 days; however, this injunction was later overturned in early December, as reported by The Verge.
Apple intends to appeal this ruling, as mentioned in a machine translation of Valor’s article. The company asserts that it “believes in vibrant and competitive markets where innovation can flourish” and emphasizes that “we face competition in all segments and jurisdictions where we operate, and our focus is always the trust of our users.” Apple has not provided an immediate comment to The Verge.
