Apple Pay and NFC: Apple is preparing to defend its system in Europe

Apple’s payment system is troubling in Europe, with the European Union saying it’s about anti-competitive practices. The manufacturer will therefore have to defend itself on this subject.

According Reuters, Apple will defend its payment system in Europe on February 14. The company will have to convince European Union antitrust regulators that it is not blocking access to the NFC technology used for Apple Pay during a closed hearing. This is the last chance for Apple to do so before possible heavy fines.

The hearing, which will be attended by senior officials from the European Commission and national competition authorities, Apple executives and plaintiffs, comes nine months after the European competition watchdog accused the company to abuse its market power. The European Union’s antitrust watchdog said Apple’s anti-competitive practices date back to 2015, when Apple Pay was launched.

Apple could be fined up to 10% of its worldwide revenue if found guilty of antitrust violations. It is also accused by the European Union of abusing its dominant position in the streaming music market, in a case triggered by a complaint from Spotify. The European Union has not yet taken a decision in this case.