Apple faces potential sanctions in Brazil over App Store antitrust violations

Apple is under renewed antitrust scrutiny in Brazil over recommended sanctions against its App Store policies.

As reported by Macrumors, Brazil’s antitrust authority SG/CADE has found the iPhone giant's iOS practices in violation of competition laws and recommended penalties, including fines and policy changes. 

The case has been sent to Brazil’s antitrust Court and assigned to Counsellor Victor Fernandes, who previously reviewed Apple’s appeal in a related matter. 

The Court will now decide whether to dismiss the case or confirm a violation of economic law and impose penalties.

Ruling in progress 

The investigation began in 2022 following complaints from digital service providers who accused Apple of anti-competitive behaviour by mandating in-app purchases through its own system, as well as anti-steering claims. 

"For more than 16 years, the App Store has provided our users in Brazil with a safe and trusted marketplace to discover new apps and has helped Brazilian developers build successful businesses," Apple wrote in a statement.

“We are concerned that CADE's proposed measures would harm the experience our users love and trust, while also introducing new risks to their privacy and security. 

“We will continue to engage with CADE to defend the rights of users and developers on our platform." 

This comes after a Brazilian federal high court reinstated a ruling requiring Apple to make App Store changes within 90 days.