EU antitrust regulators have reached an agreement with Apple, ending a four-year investigation by accepting commitments from the tech giant to open up its tap and go payments technology to competitors.

During a press conference, EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager announced the acceptance of Apple’s commitments, which address concerns that Apple may have restricted competition in mobile wallets on iPhones.

The investigation, launched formally in 2020, focused on Apple Pay’s integration terms, tap and go technology, and alleged refusals of access. In 2022, the European Commission found that Apple Pay’s exclusivity for iPhone users could limit competition.

Apple subsequently proposed commitments in January, including granting access to NFC technology without charges, providing iPhone features like Face ID to competing payment wallets, and allowing users to set any wallet as the default option.

Following a market testing period earlier this year, the European Commission concluded that Apple’s commitments adequately address concerns, making them legally binding. These changes aim to prevent Apple from leveraging its ecosystem control to exclude competing mobile wallets.

Vestager highlighted that these commitments will foster innovation and choice while enhancing payment security. Apple has until July 25 to implement these changes, after which developers can offer mobile wallets using tap and go technology for iPhones.

In response, Apple emphasized that its core services like Apple Pay and Apple Wallet will remain unaffected by the probe, ensuring continuity for users and developers alike.