Investigation Overview
Switzerland’s competition watchdog has initiated an investigation into Apple’s policies regarding access to NFC (Near Field Communication) technology on iPhones, focusing on whether these policies violate antitrust laws. The probe, launched on December 10 by the Secretariat of the Swiss Competition Commission, aims to determine if rival mobile‑payment applications can compete fairly with Apple Pay for contactless payments in retail environments.
Apple’s NFC Policy Compared
Unlike Android devices, which allow third‑party applications to freely use NFC technology, Apple has historically restricted access to its NFC interface. It was only in late 2024 that Apple began permitting Swiss app developers to utilize this technology.
Regulatory Context
Following pressure from the European Commission, Apple agreed in July 2024 to open NFC access across the EU. Since Switzerland is not part of the EU, the Swiss competition authority has been engaging in discussions with Apple to ensure compliance with local competition laws. As part of the investigation, the authority is gathering information from various market participants to assess whether Apple’s terms in Switzerland align with fair‑competition principles.
Potential Impact
The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for the mobile‑payment market in Switzerland and may influence how Apple manages NFC access for third‑party applications in other regions.
