<div id="readability-page-1"><p>Apple (AAPL), the iPhone maker, will allow third-party app stores on its iOS system in Brazil as part of a deal to settle a case with the country's antitrust regulator, <em>Reuters</em> reported.</p><h3>Claim 70% Off TipRanks This Holiday Season</h3><ul><li>Unlock  hedge-fund level data  and  powerful investing tools  for smarter, sharper decisions  </li><li> Stay ahead of the market with  the latest news and analysis  and maximize your portfolio's potential</li></ul> <p>Brazil's antitrust authority, CADE, said that an internal panel formed a majority to accept Apple's proposal, ending a case that has been ongoing for more than three years. The deal will also require Apple to allow third-party payment methods for in-app purchases, as well as links to external websites for transactions.</p> <p>The agreement will run for three years, starting once the new terms become mandatory for app developers. CADE said Apple has 105 days to implement the changes. The regulator added that Apple could face fines of up to 150 million reais ($27.1 million) if it violates the agreement.</p> <h2><strong>Agreement Ends Long-Running Case</strong></h2> <p>Apple said it will make the changes to comply with CADE's demands, but warned that opening iOS to outside app stores and payment systems could create privacy and security risks for users. The company added that while it has taken steps to limit those risks, the safeguards will not remove them entirely.</p> <p>The case began in 2022 after a complaint from MercadoLibre (MELI), which accused Apple of restricting how digital goods are distributed and paid for on iOS devices. CADE later imposed preventive measures on Apple in 2024, and earlier this year its technical body recommended a ruling against the company.</p> <p>MercadoLibre said it welcomed CADE's efforts to address competition issues related to iOS and Apple's App Store in Brazil, but added that the agreement &#34;only partially addresses the needs of more balanced rules.&#34;</p> <h2><strong>Is AAPL Stock a Buy?</strong></h2> <p>Apple stock has a consensus Moderate Buy rating among 32 Wall Street analysts. That rating is based on 20 Buy, 10 Hold, and two Sell recommendations issued in the last three months. The average AAPL price target of $299.49 implies 9.96% upside from current levels.</p></div>

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<p>'iOS Rules Change' as Apple (AAPL) Agrees to Open App Stores in Brazil</p>

- Apple will allow third-party app stores on its iOS system in Brazil as part of a settlement with the antitrust regulator, CADE, ending a three-year case.  
- The agreement requires Apple to permit third-party payment methods and links for in-app purchases, with implementation due in 105 days and potential fines of up to 150 million reais for non-compliance.  
- While Apple plans to meet these requirements, it cautioned that this change may introduce privacy and security risks for users.