Brazil's antitrust regulator, Cade, has ruled against Apple's App Store policies, declaring its anti-steering rules illegal. This decision prohibits Apple from preventing developers from directing users to external websites for purchasing in-app content like games, books, and movies. This ruling follows similar antitrust decisions in the EU and the US, challenging Apple's control over in-app purchases and app distribution.
The EU previously mandated Apple to allow third-party app stores, offering alternatives to the official App Store. In the US, a lawsuit by Epic Games compelled Apple to permit developers to link to external purchasing options. However, Apple's compliance with both rulings has been questioned.
This Brazilian ruling requires Apple to enable developers to provide links for customers to buy services or products outside the app. Similar to the Brazil Orders Apple to Allow Alternative In-App Payments situation, this marks another legal challenge to Apple's App Store practices. The India's CCI Rejects Apple's Appeal in App Store Investigation further underscores the growing global scrutiny of Apple's app store policies. For more insights on Apple and its ecosystem, you can refer to 9to5Mac Daily: iPhone 17 Air, AirPods Max, and iOS 19 Updates.
Apple has been given 20 days to comply with the Brazilian ruling and faces daily fines for non-compliance. However, the maximum fine is relatively small, raising questions about its effectiveness in ensuring Apple's adherence to the decision.