LONDON (NEWSnet/AP) — European Union on Thursday accepted Apple’s pledge to open its “tap to pay” iPhone payment system to rivals, as a way to resolve an antitrust case.

European Commission, EU's executive arm, said it has approved the commitments that Apple offered and will make them legally binding.

In 2022, regulators accused Apple of abusing its dominant position by limiting access to its mobile payment technology. The commission had charged the company with denying others access to Apple Pay.

In January, Apple announced a proposal to allow third-party mobile wallet and payment service providers access to the contactless payment function in its iOS operating system. After Apple tweaked its proposals following testing and feedback, the commission said those “final commitments” will resolve its competition concerns.

European iPhone users will be able to set a default wallet of their choice. Mobile wallet developers will be able to use important iPhone verification functions like Face ID, Vestager said. 

The changes Apple is making are to remain in force for a decade, and will apply throughout the bloc’s 27 nations plus Iceland,  Liechtenstein and Norway. Apple must make the changes in EU by July 25.

Follow NEWSnet on Facebook and X platform to get our headlines in your social feeds.

Copyright 2024 NEWSnet and The Associated Press. All rights reserved.