The European Commission agrees with Apple’s new policies regarding the use of its NFC chip in the iPhone to accept payment apps other than Apple Pay
According to information held by Reuters, The European Union Commission will accept the policy changes announced by Apple regarding access to iPhone NFC chips. This decision will be made official in a few weeks as we approach summer. The intention is that The user may decide to make contactless payments by using another app that can use said chip on the iPhone..
Apps that meet the requirements previously established by Apple may be the new Wallet of each user in the EU. This will be activated when the user double-clicks its side button or by holding the iPhone near a payment terminal. Apple is historically giving in to these new freedoms through the Digital Markets Law that came into force a few months ago and opened up the possibilities on the iPhone starting with iOS 17.4.
Those from Cupertino were not very in favor of access to the iPhone’s NFC chip due to privacy issues and user experience closely related to security. At the end of 2023, those from Cupertino precisely gave the initiative under the supervision of the commission. Apple Pay comfortably controls each of the payments that a user makes through accepted banking entities. This will change very soon and remember that it will only be for users in the EU.
It’s very probable that if users see attractive alternative paid apps that offer a benefit when used, Apple Pay reduces its activity considerably despite the fact that they have been around for several years and have managed to solidify a satisfied user base.
Surely Apple will not make it easy for them. App developers must request a right to obtain such access. They must comply with industry standards, mainly security, and others that are related to licenses to be able to accept and reconcile payments from users. If they had not complied with this situation, the same European authority could fine them up to 10% of the turnover.