Can other wallets use the iPhone NFC chip?

Yes. Since Apple's commitments to the European Commission in July 2024, wallet providers established in the EEA can use the iPhone's NFC chip for free, and users can choose a default payment app. Elsewhere, Apple offers a separate, fee-based program.

What changed in Europe

Before, only Apple Pay could use the iPhone's NFC chip for contactless payments. Following an antitrust investigation, Apple committed to open NFC access to third-party wallets in the EEA, without fees, for at least ten years. Users can set another app as their default for contactless payments.

Outside the EEA

Apple opened NFC access in several other countries through a commercial program with conditions and fees. Availability depends on the country.

What it means for payments

• Banks and payment companies can offer their own tap-to-pay apps on iPhone.
• European schemes and wallets can compete with Apple Pay in stores.
• Merchants' terminals do not need to change: they accept the payment as usual.

Adoption

Several banks and wallets have announced or launched iPhone tap-to-pay apps in Europe, but Apple Pay remains dominant on iPhone.

What it means for payment operators

For your merchants, more wallets mean more ways to pay in store. In-store payment support that accepts all contactless methods keeps them ready as new wallets arrive.