The European Commission has announced that it’s accepted commitments offered by Apple. These commitments address our preliminary concerns that Apple may have illegally restricted competition for mobile wallets on iPhones.
EU Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager says “the commitments bring important changes to how Apple operates in Europe to the benefit of competitors and customers.” Her is what she had to say in the EU announcement:
First, Apple commits to give access to NFC functionality to third-party mobile wallets. This access will be free of charge.
It will take place in what is called “Host Card Emulation mode”. This is a software solution that allows rival wallets to make secure NFC payments. Apple Pay, on the other hand, relies on access to the hardware “secure element” in the iPhone. We accept Apple’s commitment because it offers an equivalent solution in terms of security and user experience. And it is easier to implement both for Apple and wallet developers. Indeed, other wallets already use this solution in an Android environment.
Second, Apple committed to enable access to important functionalities available on iPhones. This includes Double-Click and Face ID. iPhone users will be able to double-click the side button of their iPhones to launch their preferred payment application. Competing wallets will also be able to use Face ID, Touch ID and passcode to verify users’ identities.
Third, Apple will also enable users to make the wallet of their choice the standard option on their iPhones. This is also known as setting the default option.
These commitments are applicable to users registered in the European Economic Area, including when they travel abroad.
