Apple is facing increasing scrutiny from global antitrust authorities, and the latest blow comes from Brazil. The Brazilian antitrust agency, CADE, has declared that Apple’s “anti-steering” policies within its App Store violate local laws. This ruling is significant, as it highlights the growing concerns around how dominant tech companies operate and engage with developers.
CADE’s decision centers on the hefty transaction fees that Apple imposes on developers. These fees, which can be as high as 27%, are seen as a barrier for many smaller developers trying to make a living. By restricting payment methods for in-app purchases, Apple limits how creators can offer their products—essentially forcing them to use Apple’s payment system, which cuts a sizable chunk of their revenue. Under the new directive, Apple must permit app developers to direct users to alternative payment methods outside of the app itself, giving consumers more choices.
This isn’t an isolated incident; similar challenges have emerged in the United States. In 2021, Epic Games filed a lawsuit against Apple, which culminated in a federal judge ruling that Apple must permit alternative payment options in its App Store. However, the judge, Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, later noted that Apple’s execution of this requirement was less than fair. She criticized the company for employing “scare screens” intended to dissuade users from selecting those alternative methods, pointing out inconsistencies in Apple’s statements regarding its financial motivations. This kind of behavior raises valid concerns—how much does user experience matter when profits are at stake?
The stakes are high for Apple, as the company’s appeal against the injunction failed. Now, it is required to open its App Store to more diverse payment options and is currently entangled in a class-action lawsuit in the U.S. questioning its payment strategies. While Apple argues that its ecosystem is designed for customer safety and satisfaction, many critics see it as a monopolistic practice that stifles competition.
In Europe, the situation is similar. The European Union has expressed its discontent with Apple’s closed ecosystem, and with the introduction of the Digital Markets Act in 2023, the tech giant faces new obligations. This regulation demands that Apple allows third-party app stores within European markets, which further puts pressure on how the company manages its operations.
According to 9to5Mac, Apple has a tight deadline—it must comply with Brazil’s ruling within 20 days, or risk accruing daily fines. This situation is part of a broader trend across the globe, where many countries are scrutinizing the practices of tech giants like Apple. If this momentum continues, we might see more countries joining Brazil in asserting that these monopolistic practices need to change.
Ultimately, Apple and similar tech firms are at a crossroads. They must balance their business models with an increasing demand for fairness and transparency. For small developers and end-users alike, this shift could mean more choices, better pricing, and a healthier app marketplace—one that encourages innovation rather than stifles it. As these legal battles unfold, it will be crucial for consumers to stay informed and vigilant about how these developments impact their experiences in the digital world.
