Payment News

Apple Seeks to Settle Antitrust in Europe

Apple has responded to an antitrust case brought in 2022 in Europe. It is offering to allow iPhone users to make contactless payments using third-party providers.

Apple will have to create APIs that allow equivalent access to the NFC components in the Host Card Emulation mode without relying on an in-device secure element. The Host Card Emulation securely stores payment credentials and completes transactions.

The agreement applies to third-party mobile wallet app developers and iOS users with an Apple ID registered in the European Economic Area (EEA). Payments could also be made outside of the EEA. EEA countries are the European Union members along with Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway. Apple has included other changes, eg. access to authentication features such as FaceID.