Apple’s iPhone NFC to open to third-party devs post-EU probe
The European Union has reportedly accepted a series of concessions that Apple has made over allowing third-party rivals access to its hardware NFC systems at the core of Apple Pay.
In January 2024, it was reported that Apple had agreed to allow rivals in the European Union to use its Near Field Communications chips in the iPhone. The Financial Times says that after several months, the EU is now about to accept Apple’s concessions, and so conclude an investigation that could have resulted in another fine.
There are, though, also technical details that Apple is working on. Nonetheless, it’s expected that a formal settlement is likely in the next few weeks.
The issues over access to the NFC are part of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). While the DMA is better known for forcing Apple to allow third-party rival app stores in the EU, overall it is concerned with ensuring fair competition between companies.
Originally, Apple reserved its NFC chips for its own Apple Pay services, but has been required to allow rivals access because of the DMA. Apple’s agreement to open up access has been criticized, however, for at least initially failing to include the NFC capability of the Apple Watch.
