The European Union is again meddling with Apple. The EU now wants Apple Pay to be expanded with Bluetooth and QR codes.
EU wants more options for Apple Pay
The European Union has criticized Apple Pay, Apple’s wireless payment service. With Apple Pay it is possible to put your debit card on your iPhone, so that you can pay with your phone from now on. For example, with Apple Pay you no longer need a physical debit card when you want to pay in the supermarket or on the terrace.
Also read: iPhone tips: 3 smart features of Apple Pay
Apple Pay is now supported by almost all major banks in the Netherlands. However, the European Union now believes that other payment methods are being pushed out of the market. Apple Pay is very dominant and gives other payment methods, for example via a QR code, little chance to penetrate.
That is why the EU wants Apple Pay to also receive support for Bluetooth and QR codes, among other things. You can then scan a QR code with your iPhone and then pay with Apple Pay. They would also like to see Apple open up the NFC chip (which is used for the payment system) to third parties. Currently, only Apple Pay works in Europe with the NFC chip, which secures all information when you pay with your device.
More options for Apple’s payment service
According to the EU, Apple’s position should become less dominant by adding multiple payment methods to Apple Pay. At the moment, Apple determines what does and does not work with Apple Pay and which companies support the service. By also enabling payment methods via a QR code or via Bluetooth, Apple Pay becomes a lot more accessible.
Apple has not yet responded positively to the EU’s request regarding Apple Pay. The company points out that the security and privacy of Apple Pay users is at risk if the NFC chip is opened up and functions such as Bluetooth and QR codes are added.
Apple Pay Later: still not in the Netherlands
A new feature that will hopefully come to the Netherlands soon is Apple Pay Later. With the new function you do not have to pay the full purchase amount immediately, you can do this in installments spread over six weeks. The service is already available in the United States, but it is still unclear when we can expect Apple Pay Later in the Netherlands.
Read also: Save money with 4 percent interest at Apple (but not for everyone)
Have you not yet set up Apple Pay on your iPhone or Apple Watch? In the Netherlands, Apple Watch has been available since 2019, which means that most banks now support the payment service. Here we explain how you can easily activate Apple Pay on your iPhone and Apple Watch.
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