The European Commission recently announced that it has accepted Apple’s commitments to open up Near Field Communication (NFC) technology in its iPhones. This decision comes after a lengthy investigation that began in 2020 where Apple was accused of blocking third-party access to the iPhone’s important Wallet and mobile payments feature.
How iPhone Users Can Benefit from Open Payment Technology
In the published report, the committee approved the changes and plans that Apple presented earlier this year. These include opening up the payment system to third-party wallets and banks so they can use their services and apps without paying Apple.
Most importantly, users in the region can set a mobile wallet other than Apple Wallet or Apple Pay as their default wallet. There are also no restrictions on using these services outside of Europe.
Part of the commitment also allows third-party companies and developers to use the iPhone’s double-tap feature that powers the mobile wallet app. Meanwhile, competitors have been able to access iOS security features like Face ID and Touch ID to authenticate payment transactions.
He also said that transactions made through third-party wallets will use a new system called “Host Card Emulation Mode,” which provides the same level of security and experience as Apple’s on-device hardware security features to support NFC payments for insurance.
It also highlighted that developers and competitors will have the opportunity to integrate other services into their NFC payments, such as digital ID cards, tickets, boarding passes, transit cards and more. This gives competitors like Google the opportunity to fully deploy Google Wallet on iPhones. The Commission has given Apple until July 25 to implement these changes, with the commitments lasting for 10 years. An independent auditor will also monitor implementation.
While the agreement means the iPhone maker can avoid a potentially hefty fine as part of an antitrust investigation, Apple has another case to contend with in the EU. In a preliminary ruling, the EU has accused the company of violating the Digital Markets Act. The Commission will make its final decision in March 2025. If Apple is found to have violated the DMA, the company could face a fine of up to 10 percent of its global sales.
Do you think these changes will benefit most users without impacting the Apple experience? We want to hear your thoughts on this topic.
“Certified tv guru. Reader. Professional writer. Avid introvert. Extreme pop culture buff.”
More Stories
Motel One opens The Cloud One Hotel in Düsseldorf with smart technology from m3connect: day ticket
It will soon be used fleet-wide on Navy ships
Vietnam calls for the establishment of a global system to promote green technology