Technology
Judge certifies class action against Apple over payment fees
Hacker News reports that U.S. card issuers certified as a class can collectively sue Apple over transaction fees and NFC access restrictions.
The short version
- U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White certified a class action allowing banks and credit unions to jointly sue Apple over alleged mobile wallet monopolies.[Hacker News]
- The 2022 lawsuit claims Apple illegally collects up to $1 billion annually by charging card issuers fees for Apple Pay transactions while blocking rival tap-to-pay apps.[Hacker News]
- Apple has since updated iOS 18.1 to give developers NFC chip access, though attorneys still seek fee refunds and further injunctive relief.[Hacker News]
Key facts
- U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White certified a class including U.S. card-issuing entities that paid Apple Pay transaction fees.[Hacker News]
- The 2022 antitrust suit alleges Apple collects up to $1 billion per year by restricting NFC chip access to favor Apple Pay over competing wallets.[Hacker News]
- The lawsuit states card issuers pay Apple a 0.15 percent fee on credit card purchases and half a cent on debit card purchases made via Apple Pay.[Hacker News]
- Apple expanded NFC chip access to third-party developers as of iOS 18.1 across multiple regions, including the U.S.[Hacker News]
What remains uncertain
- The final financial impact on Apple depends on whether the court ultimately orders fee repayments or additional injunctive remedies.[Hacker News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.