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Brussels accuses Apple of abusing its dominant position in contactless payments on the iPhone

2022-05-02T11:49:08.282Z


Only the Apple Pay mobile wallet is allowed on iPhones, which would hamper innovation. The European Commission believes that the American giant Apple is blocking competition in contactless payment systems by imposing its Apple Pay service on users of its smartphones. This statement of objections is a step in the investigation launched by Brussels in June 2020. The American group is now invited to respond to the Commission's accusations. Currently, only Apple's " wallet " (mobile wa


The European Commission believes that the American giant Apple is blocking competition in contactless payment systems by imposing its Apple Pay service on users of its smartphones.

This statement of objections is a step in the investigation launched by Brussels in June 2020. The American group is now invited to respond to the Commission's accusations.

Currently, only Apple's "

wallet

" (mobile wallet) is allowed on iPhones.

This service makes it possible to pay without contact in stores using your phone, but also to save various discount or loyalty cards, as well as train and plane tickets, etc. The Commission's investigation is limited to contactless payments in shops.

“NFC technology is not owned by Apple”

According to the preliminary investigation, Apple is hindering the development of competing wallets by preventing developers from accessing an essential technical component of the phone, the NFC (

near field communication

) input.

NFC technology is standardized, available in almost all in-store payment terminals and guarantees maximum security and fluidity for mobile payments,

” recalls the Commission.

Compared to other solutions, NFC technology offers a smoother and more secure payment experience, and enjoys wider acceptance in Europe.

»

"

NFC technology is not the property of Apple

", recalls the vice-president of the Commission Margrethe Vestager.

However, by reserving it for its own services, “

Apple hinders innovation

”, she continues.

Mobile payment service developers do not have access to iPhone clients and may be discouraged.

"

Apple Pay is also not challenged by competitors on the iPhone

" and may be slow to implement new innovative services.

Apple justifies blocking access to the NFC input on security grounds.

Our investigation shows that there is no proof of the existence of these risks

”, stings Margrethe Vestager.

The Commission's investigation will continue with Apple's responses.

It shouldn't be finished for several months.

Margrethe Vestager did not want to advance on the amount of the fine to which Apple is exposed.

Source: lefigaro

All news articles on 2022-05-02

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