UK Campaigner Launches 1.5 Billion Pound Legal Action Against Apple Pay

A UK campaigner has launched a 1.5 billion pound legal action against Apple Pay, alleging that Apple's payment service has engaged in anti-competitive practices. The case could have significant implications for how mobile payment platforms operate in the UK market.

The legal action targets Apple's control over the NFC chip in iPhones, which effectively gives Apple Pay a monopoly on contactless payments made from Apple devices. Competitors argue they should be allowed to access the NFC hardware to offer alternative payment services.

The case mirrors similar regulatory challenges Apple Pay has faced in the European Union, where legislation has been introduced to require Apple to open up iPhone NFC access to competing payment providers.