JAKARTA – The EU’s antitrust office is likely to approve Apple’s proposal to open up its tap-and-go mobile payment system to competitors. Of course, this is with prescribed modifications.
Apple’s offer to complete a four-year investigation would help it avoid charges of wrongdoing and hefty fines that could reach 10% of its total global sales.
Apple’s tap-and-go technology, also known as Near Field Communication (NFC), enables contactless payments using mobile wallets. Two years ago, the European Commission accused Apple of hindering competition in its Apple Pay mobile wallet by preventing rival mobile wallet app developers from accessing its technology.
In January, the US tech giant announced that Apple’s iPhones, iPads, and other mobile devices can use NFC at no additional cost and without using Apple Pay or Apple Wallet, with access based on fair and non-discriminatory criteria. provided competitors with access that they could use;
Apple also proposes to offer additional features such as optional payment app settings, access to authentication features such as FaceID, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Apple was asked to adjust some provisions after receiving feedback from competitors and customers. The NFC proposal is valid for 10 years. The European Commission hopes to accept the proposal in the summer, and although the timing could still change as Apple waits for final technical details, May would be the most likely month. .
Tags: Apple e-wallet Apple Pay uni eropa
