Di Yi Cai Jing·2025-12-23 23:17Core Viewpoint - Apple has reached a settlement with Brazil's antitrust regulator CADE, allowing third-party app stores and payment methods in its iOS system to conclude a three-year antitrust investigation [2] Group 1: Settlement Details - The agreement permits third-party app stores to operate within Brazil's iOS ecosystem and allows in-app purchases to utilize third-party payment methods or link to external websites for transactions [2] - CADE's internal group approved the agreement by a majority vote, with the terms effective for three years and immediately binding on developers [2] - Apple must implement the necessary adjustments within 105 days, with a potential fine of up to 150 million Brazilian Reais (approximately 27 million USD) for non-compliance [2] Group 2: Background and Reactions - The case originated from a complaint by Latin American e-commerce platform MercadoLibre in 2022, which alleged that Apple restricted the distribution of digital goods and in-app payments [2] - MercadoLibre acknowledged CADE's efforts but stated that the agreement only partially improves the competitive environment [2] - Apple has indicated it will comply with regulatory requirements but warned that these changes may pose privacy and security risks [2]