Apple Faces Public Hearing in Brazil Over App Store Practices

Brazilian Antitrust Regulator to Hold Public Hearing on App Store Rules The Brazilian antitrust regulator (Cade) is set to hold a public hearing next week to address competition concerns related to the iOS ecosystem. Both Apple and Google will participate in the hearing, which aims to find ways to deal with digital markets and address growing complaints about violations of economic order.

Key Points:

• Investigation Background: The investigation began after Mercado Libre accused Apple of forcing developers to use its payment system for digital goods or services. Cade is also probing Apple’s practice of tying, which involves imposing anti-competitive terms on iOS.
• Recent Ruling: In November 2024, Cade ruled that Apple must allow developers to sell content and distribute apps outside the App Store in Brazil, with a fine of over $40,000 per day for non-compliance. Apple appealed this decision, and a judge overturned the injunction, giving the company more time to discuss the case.
• Public Hearing: Companies like Match (owner of Tinder) and Epic Games are expected to attend the hearing to voice their complaints against Apple and Google.
• Future Implications: If Apple loses the trial, it will have to change how the App Store operates in Brazil. The Brazilian government also plans to regulate other big tech companies like Meta and Amazon in the future.