The European Commission plays the role of competition guard in the EU. This is a formal step which does not prejudge the outcome of this survey.
Le Monde with AFP
The European Commission accused, on Monday, May 2, the American giant Apple of blocking competition in contactless payments systems, by imposing its Apple Pay service on the users of its mobile phones. The European executive thus estimated, in a press release, that the manufacturer of the iPhone “abused his dominant position on the markets of mobile portfolios” by preventing competing solutions from working on his devices.
Brussels, who plays the role of competition guard in the European Union (EU), had already pinned Apple last year for anti -competitive practices on the online music market, one of the many files Having opposed American tech giants.
Regarding Apple Pay, the committee had opened an investigation in June 2020. On Monday, it informed Apple in writing of the grievances against it. This is a formal stage that does not prejudge the outcome of this investigation. The company now has access to the file and will be able to meet the charges made.
“We have elements indicating that Apple has restricted third party access to key technology necessary to develop competing mobile portfolio solutions on Apple devices (…) for the benefit of Apple Pay , its proprietary solution, “said competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager, during a press conference. 2> no deadline set for the continuation of the survey
Apple PAY is the only mobile portfolio solution to have access to NFC (Near Field Communication) technology equipping iPhone or iPad to exchange the data necessary for contactless payment in stores or online, underlines the commission. Brussels “Contesses Apple’s decision from preventing competing” application developers from accessing the necessary hardware and software on its devices “.
For its part, Apple justifies the access restrictions by its concern to ensure safety for its customers. “Apple Pay is only many options offered to European consumers to make payments,” reacted the apple brand, in a press release. “We will continue to collaborate with the Commission to guarantee that European consumers have access to the option to pay their choice in a safe and secure environment,” she added.
No deadline has been set for the continuation of the EU investigation. If Apple is found guilty, he will have to remedy his practices or expose himself to fines of up to 10 % of his annual turnover.