Apple Allowed EU Antitrust Regulators To Open Cellular Payment Technology

Apple will open a tap-and-go mobile payment system to its competitors. (photo: x @AppleSupport)

JAKARTA - The EU's antitrust agency is likely to approve Apple's offer to open a tap-and-go mobile payment system to its competitors. This is of course, with some adjustments to the provisions.

Apple's offer to complete a four-year investigation will help it avoid charges of abuse and avoid a potential large fine that could reach 10% of its total revenue globally.

Apple's tap-and-go technology, also called near-field communications (NFC), allows contactless payments with mobile wallets. The European Commission two years ago accused Apple of hampering competition for its Apple Pay mobile wallet by preventing competing mobile wallet app developers from accessing its technology.

The US tech giant in January offered competitors access to use NFC on Apple's iPhone, iPad, and other mobile devices at no additional cost, without having to use Apple Pay or Apple Wallet, with access based on fair and non-discriminatory criteria.

Apple also offers to provide additional functionality including option payment app settings, access to authentication features like FaceID, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Apple was asked to adjust some provisions after receiving feedback from competitors and customers. The NFC proposal will take effect for 10 years. The Commission wants to accept the offer in the summer, where May is the most likely month even though that time could still change as Apple awaits final technical details.