Apple reportedly offers to open access to iPhone and iPad standardised NFC to competitors in bid to settle antitrust probe.
Apple may reportedly open the standardised tap-to-pay technology in iPhones to competitors following an antitrust investigation by European Union officials.
The move, which follows preliminary findings in the probe delivered in May 2022, called a statement of objections, could settle the EU's antitrust charges and eliminate a possible large fine.
The European Commission is likely to seek feedback from competitors and consumers in January before deciding whether to accept the firm's offer, Reuters reported, citing unnamed sources.
The timing of that market test and whether it goes ahead are subject to change, the report said.
Apple Pay is used by more than 2,500 banks in Europe as well as more than 250 fintechs and challenger banks.
Last year the European Commission said the company had improperly limited competitors' access to the standardised Near-Field Communication contactless technology found in iPhones and iPads, instead requiring alternate payment methods to use the Apple Pay system built into its devices.
In addition to a possible large fine the probe could have forced Apple to allow rival technologies from companies such as banks to offer mobile wallets that directly access NFC on iPhones, bypassing Apple Pay.
The company has said limitations on NFC are required for security purposes.
This Cyber News was published on www.silicon.co.uk. Publication date: Tue, 12 Dec 2023 14:13:10 +0000