With iOS 26.5, Apple added a new system setting for alternative app stores for iPhone users in Brazil. The new option paves the way for stores other than the App Store to be selected as the default application market. Apple’s non-App Store distribution process in Brazil becomes clear. In iOS 26.5, the “App Installation” option began to appear in the Settings Applications section for users in Brazil. This section allows managing the default application store on iPhone.
Currently, only the App Store is listed. However, the description of the setting clearly states that the default store can be changed when more than one app store is added. According to the description of the new setting, the default application market will be used to show recommendations in Spotlight, Siri, Safari and other system areas. This change comes after the agreement reached between Apple and Brazilian Competition Authority CADE.
CADE approved the commitment text submitted by Apple on December 23, 2025. The agreement imposes obligations that will increase competition in app distribution and payment transactions in the iOS ecosystem. As part of the decision, Apple will allow alternative app stores in Brazil and open the door for developers to direct users to external payment options. AGORA: Usuários brasileiros começaram a receber uma nova opção para definir a loja de apps padrão do iOS, indicando que a liberação do sideloading deve acontecer a qualquer momento.O ajuste pode ser encontrado no iOS 26.5 em Ajustes Apps Apps Padrão Instalação de Apps.
pic.twitter.com/URZLfXHtKl— Sorcererhat Tech (@SorcererhatTech) May 15, 2026 CADE’s official decision clearly states that Apple should allow developers to display external offers, users should be directed to payment channels outside the application, and different payment methods should be offered in addition to Apple’s in-app payment system. The Authority also stipulated that the warnings that Apple will show to the user should be written in a neutral and objective language and should not contain control measures that complicate the user experience.
The regulation in Brazil differs from the iOS structure opened within the scope of the Digital Markets Law in the European Union in some aspects. Apple’s Web Distribution system for the European Union allows authorized developers to distribute iOS and iPadOS applications directly through their own websites. The new setting appearing in iOS 26.5 in Brazil points to a model that progresses mostly through alternative application stores at this stage.
It was previously revealed in the release candidate codes of iOS 26.5 that Brazil is among the regions where non-App Store application installation support is provided. Although the support in the system has become visible at this stage, it has not yet been officially announced when non-App Store stores will be actively used by users. The fee structure within the scope of the agreement is also among the notable topics.
According to the information shared, the standard commission for in-app purchases made through the App Store will be 25 percent. For developers in special programs, this rate will be 10 percent. An additional 5 percent fee will be charged when using Apple’s in-app purchasing system. Applications on the App Store will be able to show external payment options in static text, but if a redirect to an external payment channel is made with an active link or button, a 15 percent commission will be charged.
A 5 percent Core Technology Commission will be applied to applications distributed from alternative application stores. According to the CADE decision, Apple has up to 105 days to implement the changes. In case of violation of obligations, a fine of up to 150 million Brazilian reals and the reopening of an administrative investigation may be on the agenda. The agreement will be valid for three years after the new terms become mandatory for developers.
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