The Swiss Competition Commission (WEKO) has launched an investigation into whether Apple is hindering competition with its restricted access to the iPhone’s NFC technology. Near Field Communication (NFC) allows apps to communicate with payment terminals, for example, in close proximity. As the WEKO Secretariat announced, it will be examined whether Apple’s platform policies violate the Cartel Act. The focus is on whether third-party providers of mobile payment services can effectively compete with Apple Pay.

On iOS devices, Apple grants access to the NFC interface exclusively through the so-called NFC & SE platform. This controls access to the NFC chip and the Secure Element, a security enclave for sensitive data such as payment keys. Unlike Android, where developers have more direct access to the hardware, third-party providers on iOS must use Apple’s proprietary interface and obtain certification accordingly.

Opening in the EU is more far-reaching

The Swiss authority has been in exchange with Apple since spring 2024. At the end of 2024, the company opened the NFC platform to Swiss app providers – albeit under conditions that differ from those in the European Economic Area. On July 11, 2024, the European Commission declared Apple’s voluntary commitments for free, non-discriminatory NFC access in the EU and EEA area as binding. However, different conditions apply in Switzerland, the competition compliance of which is now being examined.

In parallel to the Swiss investigations, German banks are already using the opening forced by EU pressure. Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken have been testing NFC payments with the Girocard via the VR-Banking app since December 12, 2025 – independently of Apple Pay.

Technically, Apple requires third-party providers to reserve slots in the Secure Element, integrate the iOS SDK, and comply with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). Furthermore, apps must use Apple’s tokenization for payment authentication. These requirements go significantly beyond what Android developers need to meet.

Investigation under Cartel Law

The WEKO preliminary investigation is an informal procedure in which the authority collects market information. It is being examined whether Apple is abusing its dominant market position and hindering competition through its access conditions. Such preliminary investigations typically last three to twelve months and can lead to a formal procedure, which may result in fines or injunctions.

It is unclear so far what specific fees or economic conditions Apple imposes on Swiss third-party providers. While free access was promised in the EEA, additional hurdles may exist in Switzerland. WEKO is currently collecting data to assess whether the conditions allow for fair competitive opportunities or whether they effectively reserve the market for Apple Pay.

The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for the Swiss payment market. Should WEKO conclude that Apple is restricting competition, the company would have to relax its access conditions. This would open up new opportunities for local payment services such as Twint or banking apps and could push back the dominance of Apple Pay.

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(mki)

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This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication.