Apple may consider lifting NFC restrictions in Europe to prevent antitrust fines.

Apple is attempting to avoid a fine and ongoing legal battle with the European Union by offering rivals access to its Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology, as reported by Reuters. The European Commission has been investigating Apple since 2020, with concerns raised about potential antitrust practices related to Apple Pay. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager has indicated that Apple may have restricted third-party access to key technology necessary for developing rival mobile wallet solutions on Apple devices.

Apple’s proposal to provide access to its NFC technology could potentially resolve the case and avoid a hefty fine. However, the decision is not guaranteed to move forward, as the Commission will consult with Apple’s rivals and customers to determine whether to accept the offer. Over 2,500 banks across Europe currently use Apple Pay.

In addition to the European investigation, Apple is facing a lawsuit in the United States brought by Iowa’s Affinity Credit Union. The lawsuit accuses Apple of engaging in anti-competitive behavior by limiting iOS users to Apple Pay for contactless payments. US District Court Judge Jeffrey S. White of California ruled in September 2023 that the case would proceed, noting that the plaintiffs had presented plausible allegations of Apple’s alleged monopolization and arbitrary fees in the tap-and-pay iOS mobile wallet market. Judge White emphasized that increased competition in this market could lead to innovation and lower prices.