In a landmark decision, EU antitrust regulators have accepted commitments from Apple, effectively ending a four-year investigation into its mobile payments practices. This move allows competitors access to Apple’s tap-and-go payments technology, addressing concerns over potential anti-competitive behavior.
EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager announced the decision, highlighting Apple’s commitments to open its NFC technology to third-party developers without charges. This includes granting access to critical iPhone features like Face ID for competing payment wallets, and allowing users to set any wallet as their default option.
The investigation, launched in 2020, focused on Apple Pay’s integration terms and the alleged limitations imposed on competitors. Following market testing earlier this year, the European Commission concluded that Apple’s commitments adequately address these concerns, ensuring fair competition in the mobile payments sector.
Vestager emphasized the benefits for both competitors and consumers, foreseeing increased innovation and choice while maintaining payment security. The commitments, which will be legally binding for ten years starting July 25, mark a significant shift in how Apple operates within Europe.
Apple reaffirmed that its core services like Apple Pay and Apple Wallet will remain unchanged despite the regulatory scrutiny, underscoring its ongoing commitment to innovation and user experience.
This decision sets a precedent in the tech industry, signaling a new era of openness and competition in mobile payments across Europe.
