Apple opens up App Store to new competition in Brazil

techcrunch.com Jun 18, 2026

Apple opens up App Store to new competition in Brazil

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jun 18, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Apple has announced that developers in Brazil can now distribute iOS apps through alternative app stores and process payments outside the App Store. This change is part of Apple's agreement with Brazil's competition regulator, Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica. The move loosens Apple's rules in another market, following similar revisions in the EU and Japan. New protections will be introduced, including a notarization process for iOS apps and authorization requirements for alternative app marketplaces. Developers in Brazil must agree to the updated license agreement by July 6, 2026. The change marks another crack in Apple's control over the iOS app ecosystem.

💡 Why It Matters

· Regulators are successfully forcing Apple to open up its tightly controlled ecosystem, setting a precedent for other markets to follow.
· Alternative app stores and external payment options will give developers more flexibility and autonomy.

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Trump confirms that Apple will buy chips made by Intel

Trump announced that Apple will work with Intel to design and build chips in America, prompting an 8.8% rise in Intel's stock and a 0.6% increase in Apple's. The deal, a substantial multi-year agreement, is believed to concern production of older or lower-end processors, such as M-series chips for iPad Pro and MacBook Air. The partnership follows initial rumors and test production in May 2026. Details on delivery, shipment, and deal worth remain unclear. Intel's entry into limited scale testing of the 18A-P process means full production for Apple won't start until mid-2027. Apple's deal with Intel reduces dependence on Taiwan chip production.

💡 Apple's shift to Intel for older processors frees up TSMC's capacity for newer, high-end chips, ensuring a steady supply for flagship devices. This strategic move helps Apple mitigate the global chip shortage's impact on its product lineup.

androidcentral.com · Jun 18

Carl Pei tells Apple he’s stealing its customers, as if iMessage isn’t…

Carl Pei, founder of Nothing, has declared his intention to steal Apple's customers in a social media stunt. Pei believes the smartphone market has become stagnant and that Apple has lost its creative spark. Nothing aims to offer an alternative with its unique transparent hardware designs and customized software. The company plans to expand its US retail presence through Best Buy, posing a tangible threat to Apple's dominance. Pei's goal is to attract bored iPhone users, but he faces a challenge in competing with Apple's ecosystem. Nothing's expansion plans are underway, with a focus on physical hardware availability.

💡 The success of Nothing's approach hinges on its ability to build a services ecosystem that can rival Apple's. Breaking Apple's hold on users will require more than just innovative hardware designs.

appleinsider.com · Jun 18

iPhone Air successor with two cameras rumored for spring 2027

Apple is reportedly working on the iPhone Air 2, a successor to the iPhone Air, which debuted in September 2025. The new device is expected to launch in early 2027 with improved battery life and an ultra-wide camera, addressing key complaints from iPhone Air buyers. The iPhone Air 2 will likely be released alongside the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e in the spring of 2027, following Apple's shift in iPhone release schedule. The device's specifications and timeline may change, but improved battery life and a second camera are expected.

💡 The iPhone Air 2's release could have significant implications for Apple's product lineup, particularly if it becomes an annual release. If successful, it could create a new tier in the iPhone lineup, potentially cannibalizing sales from the iPhone Pro and iPhone Fold models.

appleinsider.com · Jun 18

Apple’s AI agents in Xcode 27 make vibe coding easier

Apple has unveiled Xcode 27, a developer tool that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) to simplify the coding process. The new version of Xcode includes a Core AI framework that allows developers to use on-device AI models with ease, delivering strong performance through a modern Swift API. Xcode 27 also supports third-party AI models and enables developers to have conversations with AI agents, making it easier to create and edit code. This marks a significant shift in Apple's approach to AI, positioning it as a powerful extension of the coding process.

💡 Apple's emphasis on AI in Xcode 27 raises questions about the future of human interaction in app development. By portraying AI as a tool to augment human capabilities, rather than replace them, Apple may be trying to alleviate concerns about job displacement. However, the company's decision to showcase AI-generated apps and code may ultimately lead to a surge in "vibe-coded" apps, challenging the notion that human touch is essential in app development.

appleinsider.com · Jun 18

Pressure mounts for Apple to give unionized workers better options as Towson…

The Mayor of Baltimore has joined the chorus of critics urging Apple to reconsider closing its Towson store, which is set to shut down on June 20. The store, the first unionized Apple Store, is located in a failing mall and has limited options for its approximately 100 employees. The mayor and others are demanding that Apple either allow employees to transfer to nearby stores, open a new store in the area, or keep the Towson store open. Apple believes it is in the right, citing a contract provision that does not apply to unionized employees.

💡 The closure of the Towson store could be seen as a brazen attempt to punish unionized employees, damaging Apple's reputation and highlighting the company's willingness to prioritize profits over people.

techcrunch.com · Jun 18

AI is hurting Apple in more ways than one: it may force…

Outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook has warned that the company's products, including the iPhone, may become more expensive due to a global shortage of memory chips caused by AI's insatiable demand for hardware. Cook described the situation as "unsustainable" and stated that price increases are "unavoidable," despite efforts to absorb the fourfold increase in chip costs since last year. The company is expected to launch its next iPhone in September, potentially allowing it to announce increased prices.

💡 Apple's struggle to cope with the memory chip shortage highlights the unintended consequences of AI's rapid growth, which is now putting pressure on the company's profit margins. As AI continues to drive demand for hardware, consumers may face higher prices for Apple products, forcing the company to reevaluate its AI strategy and pricing strategy.