Apple Inc. complied with the demands of Brazil's antitrust regulator. The company made several changes to its ecosystem operations in the country, including allowing third-party app stores on iOS.
Alternative stores will have to undergo verification before appearing on iOS in Brazil, as will the apps distributed through them. According to Apple, it must ensure that they do not pose a security threat to users. Nevertheless, the app approval process will not be as stringent and meticulous as in the App Store.
In addition, Apple has allowed developers in Brazil to use third-party payment systems.
Amid the relaxation of rules, Apple also revised its commission structure on iOS in Brazil. The company stated that it will still take a portion of the app's revenue, even if they are in alternative stores and do not use its payment system, but the commission rate will be lower than usual. The rate will vary from 5% to 21% depending on various conditions.
Epic Games, Apple's main adversary in recent years, has already commented on the changes in Brazil—and was not impressed. The company believes that instead of meaningful concessions, Apple devised convoluted rules that "deter developers" from using alternatives. All this, Epic Games emphasized, still makes iOS an anti-competitive ecosystem.