There’s now an Apple Pay alternative for iPhone users in Norway

Apple has opened up its Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology to third-party developers, allowing iPhone users in the EU and other regions to leverage this technology for tap-to-pay transactions. Vipps MobilePay has become the first Apple Pay alternative on the iPhone, using NFC technology for transactions. The app's "Tap with Vipps" solution works for sending money to friends, making online purchases, and paying organizations and associations. Apple's decision to open up access to its NFC technology is largely due to EU pressure, as it signed an agreement with the European Commission in July to avoid a legal fine. Vipps is a Norwegian firm and currently only works in Norway, but it plans to add more banks to its list and introduce MasterCard and Visa support before Summer 2025. Vipps' success story is likely the first example of a challenge to the Apple Pay monopoly on the iPhone. UK company Curve has also expressed interest in becoming the first Apple Wallet alternative, but no announcements have been made yet. This development could potentially lead to more Apple Pay alternatives in the future.