# The Effects of the Digital Markets Act: Vipps Takes the Lead in NFC Payments on iPhone
The Digital Markets Act (DMA) from the European Union has brought about substantial changes in the mobile payments arena, especially for Apple and its ecosystem. A key change is the enhanced access developers now enjoy to the iPhone’s Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities. This transformation, which was put into effect with the launch of iOS 17.4 earlier this year, has permitted third-party apps to employ NFC technology for payment transactions. Consequently, the Norwegian payment service Vipps has become the inaugural app to harness this new API, allowing users to conduct contactless payments directly through their iPhone application.
## Vipps: Leading the Charge for NFC Payments on iPhone
As reported by **Tek.no**, the recent enhancement of the Vipps app enables users to make contactless payments in physical stores with their cards without the need to leave the app or use Apple Wallet. This groundbreaking feature allows users to further personalize their experience by substituting the Apple Wallet app with Vipps, meaning a double-press of the side button will launch Vipps instead of Wallet.
At present, Vipps accepts Bankaxept cards, which are part of Norway’s national payment system. Nevertheless, the platform has disclosed plans to incorporate Visa and Mastercard support in the upcoming months, expanding its capabilities and permitting users to make contactless payments worldwide.
Rune Garborg, CEO of Vipps MobilePay, expressed his enthusiasm regarding this advancement, stating, “We have fought for years to compete on an equal level with Apple, and it seems almost surreal to finally unveil our very own solution. This will now lead to a thrilling contest between the world’s biggest brand and Vipps.”
## Enhancing NFC Features with iOS 18.1
In August, Apple revealed intentions to broaden the functionality of third-party apps as NFC wallets into additional countries. With the rollout of iOS 18.1 in October, the NFC & SE Platform API was opened to developers in several nations, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This API empowers developers to build wallet applications capable of managing payments, digital keys, IDs, and tickets, all while ensuring user data remains confidential via the iPhone’s Secure Enclave.
The launch of this API marks a significant juncture in the mobile payment sector, as it paves the way for increased competition and innovation. Developers now have the ability to craft customized solutions that cater to unique user needs, potentially leading to a more varied array of payment options.
## Conclusion
The Digital Markets Act has sparked a transformative alteration in the processing of mobile payments on iPhones, particularly through the introduction of the NFC & SE Platform API. With Vipps spearheading the effort as the first app to employ this new feature, the rivalry between established heavyweights like Apple and emerging contenders is poised to heat up. As more developers gain access to these resources, consumers can look forward to a greater variety of payment solutions that emphasize convenience and security. The landscape of mobile payments is changing, and it is evident that the DMA acts as a driving force behind this evolution.
For more details about the NFC & SE Platform API, developers can refer to the [Apple Developer website](https://developer.apple.com/support/nfc-se-platform/).
