Apple Faces New Swiss Antitrust Probe Over iPhone NFC Payment Access

Switzerland’s competition watchdog has launched a formal probe into Apple. The investigation focuses on Apple Pay and its control over iPhone NFC technology. The Swiss Competition Commission (COMCO) announced the move on December 10.

This preliminary investigation will examine if Apple’s terms for rivals unfairly restrict competition. Swiss authorities have been in talks with Apple since 2024. The new probe seeks to gather fresh data from market participants.

Scrutiny Centers on Fair Access for Competing Payment Apps

The core issue is Near Field Communication (NFC) chip access. This technology enables contactless payments in stores. On Android devices, third-party apps can use NFC freely.

Apple has historically kept this function exclusive to Apple Pay. According to Reuters, the European Commission secured commitments from Apple to open NFC access in the EU last year. Switzerland, however, is not bound by that EU agreement.

Apple began allowing Swiss developers to request NFC access in late 2024. COMCO is now examining the specific conditions attached. The regulator must determine if these Swiss terms differ from the EU deal and if they stifle fair competition.

Broader Impact on Digital Wallet Competition and Consumers

This Swiss action signals growing global scrutiny of tech giant practices. It mirrors regulatory concerns seen in the European Union and other regions. The outcome could reshape the digital payments landscape in Switzerland.

For consumers, a ruling against Apple could lead to more payment options on iPhone. Banks and financial apps could potentially offer their own tap-to-pay solutions. This might increase competition and innovation in the mobile wallet sector.

The investigation is currently in a fact-finding phase. COMCO will decide on further action after analyzing the evidence. Apple has not yet issued a public statement regarding the Swiss probe.

The Swiss antitrust probe represents a significant new front in the global challenge to Apple’s payment ecosystem. Its findings could force a major shift in how iPhone users pay in Switzerland, setting a potential precedent for other non-EU markets.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the Swiss competition authority investigating?

The Swiss Competition Commission (COMCO) is investigating whether Apple’s terms for allowing other payment apps to use the iPhone’s NFC chip violate antitrust law. They want to see if Apple Pay has an unfair advantage.

How is this different from the EU’s case against Apple?

Switzerland is not a member of the European Union. While Apple agreed to open NFC access in the EU, the Swiss regulator is examining the separate terms Apple has set for the Swiss market to see if they are sufficient.

What could happen if Apple loses the case?

Apple could be forced to offer more generous terms to rival payment apps in Switzerland. This would allow banks and services like Twint to offer direct tap-to-pay functionality on iPhones, competing directly with Apple Pay.

Does this affect current iPhone users in Switzerland?

Not immediately. The investigation is preliminary. Any potential changes for users would only occur if the regulator formally rules against Apple and mandates different business practices.

Why is NFC access so important?

The NFC chip is the hardware that enables contactless “tap to pay” transactions in physical stores. Controlling access to it effectively controls which mobile wallet apps can be used for in-store payments on the iPhone.