iOS 26.5 Introduces Alternative App Marketplace Support for Brazilian Developers

Apple has implemented a significant change in iOS 26.5 by adding a new 'App Installation' setting that enables Brazilian users to choose alternative marketplaces beyond the App Store. This development follows Apple's settlement with CADE, Brazil's competition watchdog, regarding the App Store's rules in the country.

Platform Update: New Marketplace Configuration

The new setting appears under Settings > Apps, which previously only allowed users to manage default apps for opening links, sending emails, and making payments. iOS 26.5 now includes an 'App Installation' option that lets users select their preferred marketplace for app installations.

Currently, the setting displays only the App Store, but Apple's description indicates future functionality: "Your default marketplace is at the top and will be used to show recommendations in Spotlight, Siri, Safari, and more. If you've added multiple marketplaces, you can change your default marketplace."

This implementation suggests a marketplace-based model rather than the Web Distribution option available to developers in the EU under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The Brazilian approach appears to focus on allowing alternative app stores to operate within the iOS ecosystem, rather than enabling direct website distribution.

Developer Impact: Fee Structure and Distribution Options

Under the terms of Apple's settlement with CADE, the company has established a new fee structure for alternative app distribution in Brazil:

• App Store Commission: 25% standard rate, or 10% for developers in special programs
• In-App Purchase System: Additional 5% fee when using Apple's payment processing
• External Payment Links: 15% commission when developers use active links or buttons to direct users to outside payment options (no fee for static text)
• Alternative App Stores: 5% Core Technology Commission for apps distributed through third-party marketplaces

This structure differs from Apple's standard commission rates and introduces new considerations for developers operating in Brazil. The ability to direct users to external payment options with a reduced commission represents a notable concession to developers.

Migration Path for Developers

For developers currently distributing apps exclusively through the App Store in Brazil, the new requirements necessitate strategic planning:

1. Marketplace Selection: Developers may need to evaluate which alternative marketplaces to integrate with, considering user base, fee structures, and distribution capabilities.

2. Payment Processing: The option to use external payment systems with a 15% commission (compared to Apple's standard 30%) could impact revenue calculations and pricing strategies.

3. App Updates and Distribution: Developers will need to establish processes for distributing updates through multiple marketplaces, potentially requiring different SDK versions or build configurations.

4. Cross-Platform Considerations: Brazilian developers maintaining both iOS and Android apps will need to account for different regulatory environments and fee structures across platforms.

The implementation timeline for enabling alternative app distribution in Brazil remains unclear, but the presence of these settings in iOS 26.5 suggests the rollout is imminent. Developers should prepare for this change by reviewing their app distribution strategies and potentially updating their development workflows to support multiple marketplaces.

Apple has not officially confirmed the complete terms of the settlement, but the underlying support now appearing in iOS indicates the company is moving forward with implementation. This change represents a significant shift in Apple's approach to app distribution and could influence similar regulatory decisions in other markets.

For developers looking to stay updated on these changes, Apple's developer documentation should be monitored for official guidelines on implementing alternative marketplace support in Brazilian apps.