Apple is hit back against accusations from Brazilian financial institutions regarding access to the iPhone’s NFC technology. The dispute follows an investigation by CADE (Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense), initiated by the Central Bank and Febraban.
The Main Conflict Brazilian banks claim Apple limits third-party access to its near-field communication (NFC) hardware, creating an unfair advantage for Apple Pay. Apple, however, argues that banks are attempting to “free-ride” on its proprietary technology.
Key Points from Apple’s Defense:
- Existing Access: Apple asserts that developers have had access to NFC technology for contactless payments since early 2024.
- Infrastructure Investment: The tech giant argues that institutions want to benefit from its ecosystem without compensating for billions spent on research, development, and security.
- Security Concerns: Apple emphasizes that its closed system is designed to protect user data and financial transaction integrity.
This case highlights the growing global tension between Big Tech ecosystems and regional banking regulations regarding digital wallet dominance.
