Opening Up The Wallet: Apple To Offer Rivals Access To NFC System On iOS Devices

In a move intended to put an end to the Commission’s recent investigation into mobile payment restrictions on iOS, Apple offered third-party developers access to the tap-and-go system (i.e., Near-Field Communication or “NFC”) on its devices.

Responding To The EU Mobile Wallet Probe

Apple’s initiative aims at answering the Commission’s charges published in May 2022 that Apple has prevented third-party developers from using the embedded NFC system on iOS devices, hindering the development of alternative applications to Apple Pay. NFC is a standard technology that facilitates contactless payments in stores by permitting the phone to directly communicate with payment terminals, and is, therefore, an essential input for mobile wallet applications.  As a result of these restrictions, Apple secured Apple Pay’s central position as the sole payment solution within Apple’s ecosystem.  The Commission is currently seeking market feedback from Apple’s competitors and customers, prior to determining whether to accept Apple’s commitments offer.

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