Apple Updates Developer Program License Agreement for iOS Apps in Brazil

Apple updated Attachment 12 of the Apple Developer Program License Agreement on June 18, 2026, to introduce new terms for iOS applications operating in Brazil. These revisions allow for alternative app distribution, alternative payment systems, and out-of-app offers, while establishing a Core Technology Commission for developers who utilize these options, according to official Apple developer notifications.

The updated agreement requires developers to sign in to their accounts to accept the new terms. Apple stated that translations of the revised agreement will be available on the Apple Developer website within one month of the June 18 announcement.

What are the new App Store terms for Brazil?

The revisions to Attachment 12 focus on four primary areas of the iOS ecosystem in Brazil. First, Apple now permits alternative distribution, which allows apps to be installed via channels other than the official App Store. Second, the company allows alternative payments, enabling developers to use third-party payment processors for in-app purchases.

Third, the updated terms permit out-of-app offers. This allows developers to direct users to external websites to complete purchases or sign up for subscriptions. Finally, Apple introduced the Core Technology Commission. This fee applies to developers who opt for alternative distribution or payment methods but continue to rely on Apple’s proprietary APIs and platform tools.

Why is Apple changing its policies in Brazil?

These changes follow years of scrutiny from Brazil’s antitrust regulators and consumer protection agencies. The Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) has previously examined Apple’s restrictions on third-party payment systems and the mandatory use of the App Store for software distribution.

The move mirrors the regulatory pressure Apple faced in the European Union under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). By implementing similar terms in Brazil, Apple is applying a global compliance template that grants certain concessions on distribution and payments while maintaining a revenue stream through the Core Technology Commission.

How does the Core Technology Commission work?

The Core Technology Commission acts as a fee for the use of Apple’s intellectual property. According to the revised license agreement, developers who bypass the standard App Store payment system are not entirely exempt from costs. Apple charges this commission to compensate for the ongoing maintenance and provision of the iOS ecosystem, including the SDKs and APIs required for apps to function on iPhones.

This structure differs from the traditional App Store commission, which is tied directly to the transaction processed through Apple’s billing system. The Core Technology Commission decouples the fee from the payment processing, ensuring Apple collects revenue even when the financial transaction happens on a developer’s own website or through a competitor’s payment gateway.

How do these changes compare to the EU model?

The Brazil updates closely align with the terms Apple introduced in the EU to comply with the DMA. In both regions, Apple allows third-party app marketplaces and external payment links. However, both frameworks include a fee for the “core technology” used by the developer.

The primary contrast lies in the regulatory origin. The EU changes were mandated by a comprehensive legislative framework, whereas the Brazil updates respond to specific regulatory challenges and local legal pressures. Despite these different origins, the technical implementation for developers remains consistent: they must choose between the standard App Store terms or a new set of terms that allow more flexibility but include the Core Technology Commission.

Developers who do not accept the updated terms by the deadline may face restrictions on their ability to update or distribute apps within the Brazilian market.