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Apple enables alternative app marketplaces in Brazil

WireByte Staff · June 19, 2026

Apple has officially enabled alternative app marketplaces in Brazil, allowing users to install and set AltStore PAL as their default marketplace. This change follows a years-long regulatory battle and is part of broader app distribution and payment rule changes. Brazilian users can now access a wider range of apps, including games and utilities, through AltStore's catalog.

Key points

  • Apple has enabled alternative app marketplaces in Brazil, allowing users to install and set AltStore PAL as their default marketplace.
  • The change follows a years-long regulatory battle and is part of broader app distribution and payment rule changes in the country.
  • Brazilian users can now access a wider range of apps, including games and utilities, through AltStore's catalog.
  • AltStore is offering one month of free access to their Patreon to celebrate the launch in Brazil.
  • The change applies to users with iOS 26.5 or later and a Brazilian App Store account.

Apple has made a significant change to its app distribution policies in Brazil, enabling alternative app marketplaces in the country. This move follows a years-long regulatory battle and is part of broader changes to app distribution and payment rules in the country.

The change allows Brazilian users to install and set AltStore PAL as their default marketplace, giving them access to a wider range of apps, including games and utilities. AltStore's catalog can be explored by category, and users can further expand the storefront by adding other sources.

To celebrate the launch, AltStore is offering one month of free access to their Patreon for users. To install AltStore PAL, users must be physically located in Brazil, be using Safari, and have a Brazilian App Store account. The device must also be running iOS 26.5 or later.

This change has significant implications for the tech industry in Brazil, and it will be interesting to see how it affects the market in the coming months.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.