Apple Facing EU Antitrust Probe Over NFC-Based Payments: Report
Apple's woes in the European Union are far from over. Last month, EU standardised USB Type-C charging ability in all devices that are sold in the bloc. A major blow for Apple, the company is now staring at a new antitrust charge in EU for its NFC chip technology, Reuters reported.
The alleged antitrust probe would focus on Apple's NFC chips that enable fast payments with a single tap on Apple iPhone devices.If the charge is pursued, Apple could be forced to pay hefty fines in the EU or worse - the company could be ordered to open its mobile payment system to rival companies.?
Currently, rival companies do not have access to Apple's payment system "Apple Pay", something that could change after the resolution of this antitrust probe. In addition, the EU is also looking at Apple's terms and conditions about using Apple Pay on merchant websites and applications.
Apple's NFC monopoly
The NFC chip in iPhone devices can only be accessed by Apple Pay for payments, and European Commission intends to change or at least, assess that.
A statement of objection or the charge sheet could be sent to Apple as early as next year, Reuters reported. The statement usually lists out anti-competitive practices by the company facing charges.
If charged and processed, the EU could fine Apple up to 10 per cent of its global turnover.?European Union's incumbent antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager isn't letting off Apple easily. Last year, she opened an investigation into Apple Pay.
South Korea pursued something similar last month after passing a bill which prohibits app store operators like Apple from forcing developers to exclusively use their payment systems.
Also read:?Apple Made More Money From Gaming Than Microsoft, Sony And Nintendo Combined
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