EU Readies 'antitrust Charges' Against Apple Pay For Locking Rivals Out Of IPhone NFC Chip

Apple's decision to only allow Apple Pay to access the NFC chip in iPhones could result in the Silicon Valley giant paying hefty anti-monopoly fines in Europe.

The EU is set to file anti-competitive charges against Cupertino regarding its tap-to-pay system, Reuters reported, citing sources. Euro antitrust watchdogs are apparently not happy that the NFC chips in iPhones and iPads are restricted to the iGiant's Pay software, unfairly locking out alternative wireless payment apps.

The charges will be the result of a European Commission investigation that started last year into Apple's terms and conditions with merchants, the limited access to the NFC hardware, and more.

"It is important that Apple's measures do not deny consumers the benefits of new payment technologies, including better choice, quality, innovation and competitive prices," said Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager in 2020. "I have therefore decided to take a close look at Apple's practices regarding Apple Pay and their impact on competition."

That probe zeroed in on the built-in NFC electronics, which are tightly integrated with Apple Pay and not open to rival payment systems. The European Commission argued that the super-corporation's design choices "may distort competition and reduce choice and innovation."

Now, the EU's competition enforcer is reportedly drawing up a charge sheet outlining the alleged anti-competitive behavior, which could be sent to Apple next year.

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Apple's in-house payment systems are, or have been, in the cross-hairs of various nations, from Europe to America to Australia.

South Korea in August passed legislation forcing Google and Apple to allow the use of third-party payment systems for app and in-app purchases, which Google decided not to fight.

Apple also settled an antitrust case over the monopolistic nature of its payment system in which it agreed to make some concessions in the United States. Similarly, as a result of Epic's legal action against Apple, the iGiant said will allow apps to direct their users to alternative payment platforms.

Apple did not immediately respond to requests for comment. EU spokesperson Arianna Podesta told us: "We have no comment – this investigation is ongoing." ®