The European Commission (EC) has charged Apple with restricting access to the NFC chip technology that enables iPhone users to make payments. Apple Pay is the only mobile payment service that may access the NFC 'tap and go' technology embedded on iOS mobile devices for payments in stores.
This marks the second EU charge against Apple after EU regulators last year accused the company of distorting competition in the music streaming market following a complaint from Spotify. The EC has now sent Apple a statement of objections informing the tech giant of a preliminary view that it abused its dominant position in markets for mobile wallets on iOS devices.
EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said, “We have indications that Apple restricted third-party access to key technology necessary to develop rival mobile wallet solutions on Apple’s devices. In our statement of objections, we preliminarily found that Apple may have restricted competition, to the benefit of its own solution Apple Pay.”
Apple said, “Apple Pay is only one of many options available to European consumers for making payments, and has ensured equal access to NFC while setting industry-leading standards for privacy and security.” The company says it will continue to engage with the commission to ensure European consumers have access to the payment option of their choice in a safe and secure environment.
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