Apple Settles EU Antitrust Probe, Opens NFC Technology

EU regulators announced on Thursday that Apple has settled a long-standing antitrust investigation by agreeing to open its near-field communication (NFC) technology to competitors.

The European Commission, responsible for enforcing EU antitrust laws, has investigated Apple for four years over allegations that it restricted competition by blocking rival app developers from accessing its NFC technology for mobile payments via Apple Pay.

Settlement Terms:

Apple’s settlement offer allows developers to utilize NFC technology to create pre-built payment apps for competing mobile wallet providers. This move is expected to foster competition in the mobile payments sector, providing consumers with more secure and innovative mobile wallets.

EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager emphasized that this decision will enable effective competition with Apple Pay on iPhones in shops, expanding consumer options for mobile payments.

Apple Response:

Apple’s settlement offer, valid for 10 years, also extends NFC access for developers to integrate tap-and-go payments for various applications beyond mobile wallets. These include functionalities like car keys, transit passes, corporate and home keys, loyalty programs, and event tickets within iOS apps.

The settlement marks a departure from Apple’s resistance to EU scrutiny of its business practices amid ongoing investigations under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).