Apple hit with EU antitrust complaint over iPhone payments

  • The antitrust issue centres on Apple Pay, which is available as tap to pay for iPhone customers but not for rival services such as PayPal
  • The Dutch consumer watchdog is also set to fine Apple after it found the company used ‘unfair conditions for dating-app providers’ in The Netherlands

European Commission vice-president Margrethe Vestager addresses a press conference on EU objections over Apple’s practices regarding Apple Pay on May 2, 2022. Photo: Agence France-Presse

Apple was hit by a formal antitrust complaint from the European Union over how it handles iPhone payment services, an area where regulators say the tech giant favours its own technology over rival platforms.

The European Commission sent a so-called statement of objections alleging that Apple abuses its control over mobile wallets by limiting how third-party firms can provide services on the iPhone. The move escalates an investigation that began nearly two years ago. If confirmed, Apple could face hefty fines under EU antitrust rules.

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