The European Union flag is displayed on a mobile phone screen in front of the Apple logo on July 2, 2024.
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EU antitrust regulators accepted EU commitments on Thursday apple allowed rivals to use its contactless payment technology, ending a four-year investigation.
EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said at a press conference: “The Commission has decided to accept the commitments presented by Apple. These commitments address our initial concerns that Apple may Wallet illegally restricts competition.
EU official roll out A 2020 survey related to Apple Pay. The situation with Apple Pay.
In 2022, the European Commission found that Apple Pay could restrict competition because it was the only option for iPhone users. Apple has since made several commitments to address these issues, laying out in January: Enable competitors to use contactless payments and mobile wallet technology.
Vestager explained that Apple is committed to allowing third-party developers to use NFC technology without charging, providing competing payment wallets with access to key iPhone features like Face ID, and allowing users to transfer their wallets to any wallet of their choice. Set as default option.
Earlier this year, the European Commission market tested Apple’s commitment to collect feedback on proposals. After its review, the committee concluded that Apple’s final commitment addressed concerns that the tech giant was restricting third parties from using its contactless payment technology. The changes are now legally binding on Apple.
“These commitments bring important changes to the way Apple operates in Europe, benefiting competitors and customers,” Vestager said.
“From now on, Apple can no longer use its control of the iPhone ecosystem to lock out other mobile wallets. Competing wallet developers, as well as consumers, will benefit from these changes, opening up innovation and choice while preserving payment options.” Safe,” she added.
Vestager said the iPhone maker now has until July 25 to fulfill those commitments. She explained that all developers will be able to provide mobile wallets for iPhone through click-and-play technology. These commitments are valid for 10 years.
“Apple is giving developers in the European Economic Area an option to enable NFC contactless payments in iOS along with car keys, closed loop transportation, corporate badges, home keys, hotel keys, merchant loyalty/rewards, and event tickets of contactless transactions using an API based on host card emulation,” Apple said in emailed comments.
It added that no changes would be made to Apple Pay or Apple Wallet following the investigation.
