Apple’s proposal to introduce NFC-based tap-and-go technology is reportedly progressing towards approval from the EU and is expected to be finalized by May.
In addition, Apple has proposed to include extra features such as Face ID integration and setting preferred payment apps as defaults on iPhones within the EU.
Apple’s proposal to open its tap-and-go mobile payments system to competitors is poised for approval by EU antitrust regulators by next month, according to sources familiar with the situation. Apple adjusted certain terms to facilitate the approval process.
By seeking to resolve the four-year investigation, Apple aims to avoid a determination of misconduct and fend off a substantial fine, which could reach up to 10% of its worldwide annual revenue.
Apple’s near-field communication (NFC) technology, known as tap-and-go, enables contactless payments through mobile wallets.
Two years ago, the European Commission accused Apple of impeding competition for its Apple Pay mobile wallet by blocking rival mobile wallet app developers from utilizing its tap-and-go technology.
In January, the U.S. tech giant proposed granting rivals access to its NFC technology on iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices at no cost, without requiring the use of Apple Pay or Apple Wallet. Access would be granted based on fair and non-discriminatory criteria.
Additionally, Apple offered to provide extra features such as defaulting preferred payment apps, access to authentication features like Face ID, a suppression mechanism, and the establishment of a dispute resolution mechanism.
The Commission intends to approve the offer by summer, with May being the most probable month, although the timing may still shift as it awaits Apple to finalize the last technical aspects, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Last month, the company faced a €1.84 billion ($2 billion) fine, its initial EU antitrust sanction, for obstructing competition from Spotify and other music streaming competitors through limitations on its App Store.
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