The move by EU antitrust regulators may force the iphone maker to extend its payment system to competitors. Credit: Dries De Schepper on Unsplash.

The European Union (EU) antitrust regulators are reportedly preparing to press charges against American technology giant Apple.

Apple will be charged with anti-competitive practices related to its NFC chip technology, Reuters reported citing people familiar with the development.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The NFC chip allows tap-and-go payments on iPhones.

Apple has prevented its rivals from accessing NFC chip, by restricting its access to Apple Pay, its proprietary payment solution.

In June last year, the European Commission launched a probe into the Apple Pay over competition concerns.

According to the sources, the EU competition watchdog is now drafting a ‘statement of objections’ outlining its concerns in the matter.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

This charge sheet is expected to be sent to Apple next year.

In May this year, EU regulators accused the tech company of breaching antitrust laws by not allowing developers to provide other buying options outside of apps, to iPhone and iPad users.

This development followed Swedish music streaming service Spotify’s complaint against Apple’s rule over its in-app payment system.

Apple was said to charge a 30% commission on all subscriptions.

At the time, the tech giant refuted the charges saying it was proud of its role in helping Spotify become a music streaming major.

This February, Reuters reported that the Dutch competition authorities were finalising a decision in an investigation into Apple over its rules demanding software developers to use its in-app payment system.

In 2019, Germany passed a law requiring Apple to open up its mobile payment system up to rivals by charging them a reasonable fee.

The latest move by EU antitrust regulators is anticipated to bring in a similar result, forcing the iPhone maker to extend its payment system to competitors.