Brazilian Regulators Urge Sanctions Against Apple Over App Store Antitrust Concerns

Apple is once again under the microscope as Brazil's federal competition watchdog formally recommends tough sanctions against the tech giant, citing restrictive App Store policies that may violate the country's antitrust laws.

Brazil Scrutinizes Apple's App Store Practices

The General Superintendence of Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (SG/CADE)—the nation’s principal antitrust authority—has concluded after thorough investigation that Apple’s iOS App Store rules create unfair barriers for both developers and consumers. According to their official statement, Apple’s conduct is seen as impeding healthy digital marketplace competition. SG/CADE is now urging its internal tribunal to levy substantial financial penalties and mandate significant changes to Apple's App Store payment requirements.

Background: Complaints from Digital Leaders

This regulatory action follows formal complaints dating back to 2022, notably from major e-commerce player MercadoLibre and other tech companies. The crux of their grievances: Apple compels developers to route all in-app purchases exclusively through its own proprietary payment system. Moreover, Apple’s "anti-steering" rules prohibit developers from directing users toward alternative payment methods or platforms—policies that critics contend stifle choice and competition.

Apple's Response and Perspective

In a public statement to Brazilian tech publication Tecnoblog, Apple defended its longstanding App Store policies, emphasizing the platform’s 16-year role in providing security, trust, and valuable growth opportunities for local developers. Apple also expressed concerns that sweeping regulatory interventions could disrupt user experience and introduce new privacy and security risks.

Market Impact and Global Relevance

As noted by Reuters, Brazilian regulators maintain that Apple’s enforcement of these policies artificially preserves its dominant position in the mobile ecosystem and restricts the availability of competing digital payment solutions. The conflict resonates with broader global discussions about fair access, platform power, and innovation in digital marketplaces. Apple’s defense echoes similar debates in the US, Europe, and Asia, underlining the company’s balancing act between maintaining ecosystem integrity and embracing open competition.

What’s Next for Apple in Brazil?

CADE’s internal tribunal is now tasked with deciding whether to adopt the recommendations and impose formal sanctions. If approved, this could set a strong precedent within the tech industry, potentially reshaping App Store regulations across Latin America and beyond.

With international regulators increasingly scrutinizing Big Tech’s digital platforms, the outcome in Brazil could have far-reaching implications for how Apple and others operate in global app economies.