EU to settle Apple Pay NFC probe after Apple's concessions
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.
Apple's iPhone NFC to open to third-party devs post-EU probe
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.
Three unspecified sources say that officials from the EU have been testing Apple's measures. They also report that Apple has offered to keep this access available for a decade.
It's not clear how that timescale fits with the EU's Digital Markets Act which contains no such schedule of compliance. Conceivably this is why the sources also say that the EU may yet have outstanding issues to be settled.
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.
The result of this is that within the EU, third-party companies will be able to replace Apple Wallet with their own systems. This is exactly what London-based firm Curve says it is ready to do, once the EU settlement is made.
Separately, the EU is now expected to conduct investigations over Apple's alleged non-compliance with the Digital Markets Act's (DMA) requirements regarding rival app stores.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
I can see Apple getting blamed for this.
I'll set out my stalk.
IMO, virtually no iOS user is remotely aware of the limitations Apple imposes on them.
They are unaware of the wallet/NFC limitations.
Unaware of the Web Kit restrictions.
Unaware of the App Store restrictions. Both in terms of content and actual stores.
Unaware of the commissions.
Unaware of the harm that is being caused to them.
That is what 'closed and secure' means, does it not?
Now. Why not be up front on all this? Why not explain these impositions, simply and clearly, and ask consumers to sign off on them prior to purchase?
I think you will see a massive change of heart from these people and of course that's why Apple would never ever be up front about it and would rather comply with the EU stance. Even if signing off on the restrictions might conceivably get them off many an anti-trust hook.
Still, thanks for another round of "EU 'splaining". Does anyone here have difficulty understanding why the EU is always on the "back foot" when it comes to competitive technology? Could it be that the EU is a shitty business and investment environment, more concerned about balance between EU states than actual competitiveness?
That said, I have no problems with alternative App Stores that comply with privacy and security mandates, nor with alternative wallets that comply similarly. I expect the EU will be similarly harsh with Curve, since they are based in a country that left the EU. The minute some EU-based country comes up with an alternative wallet for iOS, I expect to see a lot of judgements in their favour.
It will be interesting to look at Curve’s wallet. Can I put concert tickets, ID cards, boarding passes and other non-financial items into their wallet? If so, will they properly safeguard my information? If not, do I need to use multiple wallets and how do I choose between them?
For all of this extra headache, I get ???? benefits? Still waiting to hear on that.
The question is about knowledge of business practices.
If those happy users knew even the basics of Apple's control, most would be quite, ehem, unhappy. That's how I see it and I have yet to come across any iOS who is aware of the facts.
"most would be, quite, ehem, unhappy"
Do you have any evidence to support that, or is this just another projection of your personal bias?
Most of this thread contains opinions!
Did you even bother to read what I said at the outset? About a survey and everything?
Why do you think I wrote that? Could evidence actually have something to do with it?
How about you put some evidence on the table to support your 'bias'?
So, if a survey is actually generated, and it shows that "most" Apple iPhone users are happy with the status quo, will you then bow out, or will you keep arguing that these users need to be "reeducated"?
Was a consumer survey ever done by the EU, or was this always about developers and financial institutions?
Your bias will not be 'proven' by any stretch of the imagination if users 'continue as is'.
Read what I said.
The EU process includes consultation with industry (yes, Apple participated too) and surveys with the general public and people are also free to contribute there opinions but the surveys were not on what we are talking about here: the assumption that people buy iPhones knowing full well the limitations and accepting them in exchange for 'security and privacy'.
Why do you think I said a specific survey should be carried out?
The DMA/DSA are there to level the playing field in the digital age. Please take a brief look at the opening paragraphs of the supporting text to the legislation.
It's obvious that the EU can't compete in technology, certainly not for the investment necessary, though the Baltic countries do pretty well, but sure, credit for looking after their "consumers", it that is in fact what they are doing.
I am not convinced that the EU is actually doing that.