A federal judge certifies a class-action antitrust lawsuit in which banks and credit unions seek to challenge Apple Pay fees paid by card issuers. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White approves the class, allowing participating institutions to pursue their claims together. The ruling does not determine whether Apple violated antitrust law or whether the plaintiffs are owed damages.
The lawsuit, first filed in 2022, argues Apple restricts competition in iPhone tap-to-pay by blocking rival mobile wallets from accessing iPhone NFC capabilities, while charging fees to card issuers. Plaintiffs say Apple receives about 0.15% of the purchase value for credit card transactions through Apple Pay and about $0.005 per debit transaction. One outlet reports the class covers U.S. entities that issued payment cards enabled for Apple Pay and paid Apple fees tied to Apple Pay transactions.
Outlets also describe Apple’s efforts to address aspects of the dispute since the suit began, including policy and iOS changes. MacRumors notes that developers can offer NFC contactless payments in apps as of iOS 18.1, and highlights that the case still centers on allegations of monopoly power and inflated fees. Overall coverage focuses on the procedural step of class certification and the specific fee and competition claims, rather than a final merits decision.
