Apple has recently made commitments to EU antitrust regulators in order to allow access to its tap and go payments technology to rivals. This decision comes after a four-year investigation that was looking into whether Apple had illegally restricted competition when it comes to mobile wallets on iPhones. The European Commission found that Apple Pay could potentially limit competition as it was the only option for iPhone users.
Apple has offered several commitments to address these concerns. This includes giving third-party developers access to NFC technology without any charges, providing access to key iPhone features like Face ID to competing payment wallets, and allowing users to set any wallet of their choice as the default option. These commitments have been deemed sufficient by the European Commission and are set to benefit both competitors and customers.
According to EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager, the commitments made by Apple will bring important changes to how Apple operates in Europe. Apple will no longer be able to use its control over the iPhone ecosystem to exclude other mobile wallets from the market. This will lead to increased innovation and choice for consumers, while still maintaining a secure payment environment.
Apple has until July 25 to fully implement these commitments, after which all developers will be able to offer mobile wallets for iPhones with the tap and go technology. These commitments are set to remain in effect for the next ten years. It is important to note that there will be no changes to Apple Pay or the Apple Wallet as a result of this investigation.
Overall, Apple’s commitments to EU antitrust regulators mark a significant shift in how the tech giant operates in Europe. By allowing access to its tap and go payments technology to rivals, Apple is opening up the market to increased competition and innovation. This move is likely to benefit both competitors and consumers alike, providing more choices and ensuring a more level playing field in the mobile payments industry.