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2 clusters · 13 sources · 3 days · First seen 7 days ago · Last updated 5 days ago

Global antitrust actions against Apple ecosystem

Overview

Regulatory and judicial scrutiny of Apple’s market dominance has intensified across different jurisdictions. In the United Kingdom, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a public consultation to address Apple’s control over the iPhone’s Near Field Communication (NFC) chip. The regulator argues that current restrictions, including high fees and technical limitations, prevent competitors from developing viable alternatives to Apple Pay.

While Apple has eased some restrictions for developers within the European Union, the CMA notes that UK developers face different, more disadvantageous conditions. The regulator aims to align UK rules with the standards established in the EU, where qualifying developers can access NFC technology for free to support digital wallets, keys, and transit cards. CMA CEO Sarah Cardell stated that these barriers make it difficult for challengers to innovate and compete, noting that “no UK-based company has successfully launched a wallet-like service due to these hurdles.” Apple has expressed opposition, citing potential risks to user security and privacy, but has committed to ongoing cooperation.

Concurrently, an Australian Federal Court ruled that Apple misused its power within the iOS app distribution and in-app payment markets. The court ordered Apple to allow Australian users to install apps from third-party stores and directly from websites starting in March 2027. The ruling also prohibits Apple from forcing its proprietary In-App Purchase system and requires the reinstatement of Epic Games’ Fortnite in the Australian App Store.

Entities

Revolut · Federal Court of Australia · Apple Inc. · European Union · Sarah Cardell

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a public consultation regarding Apple's NFC chip access. jablickar.cz · www.mactechnews.de
[● 2 SOURCES] Apple's current NFC terms in the UK include high fees and technical restrictions. jablickar.cz · www.mactechnews.de
[● 2 SOURCES] Apple has already implemented rules in the EU allowing developers to access NFC technology for free under certain conditions. jablickar.cz · www.mactechnews.de
[○ 1 SOURCE] No UK company has successfully launched a wallet-like service in the UK. www.mactechnews.de
[○ 1 SOURCE] Apple opposes the proposed changes, claiming they would reduce security and privacy. jablickar.cz
[○ 1 SOURCE] The consultation process regarding NFC access began on January 23, 2025. www.mactechnews.de

Timeline

5 days ago

[TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
Australian court orders Apple to open iPhone to rival app stores
An Australian court has ordered Apple to allow third-party app stores and alternative payment methods on iPhones in Australia starting March 2027.
7 days ago

[BUSINESS] 11 sources
UK regulator targets Apple over iPhone NFC chip access
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority is seeking to force Apple to open its iPhone NFC technology to rival payment and digital wallet providers to foster competition.

Sources

9to5mac.com · computerworld.com · deseret.com · iphoneincanada.ca · it-boltwise.de · ithome.com · jablickar.cz · mactechnews.de · olaygazete.co.uk · punto-informatico.it · savedelete.com · soydemac.com · upday.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history