“The Commission is challenging Apple’s decision to prevent mobile wallet application developers from accessing the necessary hardware and software (‘NFC input’) on its devices in favor of its own Apple Pay solution,” the ruling said. “Today’s statement of objections only concerns access to NFC access by third-party mobile wallet developers for in-store payments.” According to the EU, Apple’s foreclosure behavior “leads to less innovation and fewer consumer choices for iPhone mobile wallets”. This is just the beginning of the antitrust case against Apple This is just the beginning of the formal antitrust process against Apple and the company will have the opportunity to respond to the Commission’s list of objections. The EU notes that sending a statement of objections “does not prejudge the outcome of an investigation”. Today’s ruling follows last year’s allegations that the company was unfairly punishing rival music streaming services. The EU has the potential to impose fines of up to 10 percent of Apple’s global revenue ($ 36 billion) as well as impose changes to the company’s business practices. In practice, however, any fines upheld against Apple’s possible recourse to the charges will be much lower. The Commission’s preliminary view against Apple shows once again that the EU is at the forefront of efforts to curb the power of Big Tech. In recent weeks, the bloc has passed two major pieces of legislation aimed at tackling the negative effects of digital giants. These are the Digital Services Act (DSA), which forces companies to tighten control over harmful content on their platforms, and the Digital Market Act (DMA), which aims to balance business competition by allowing in smaller companies to compete larger companies. Apple has opposed a number of provisions described by the EU, particularly those that loosen control of the company in the App Store (from which Apple earns significant revenue).
