Vipps launches the first alternative to Apple Pay for iPhone in Norway

The Norwegian service Vipps became the first company in the world to launch an alternative to Apple Pay for iPhone.

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This became possible after Apple's agreement with the European Commission to open NFC to third-party developers.

Since 9 December, Vipps users in Norway have been able to make contactless payments with their iPhones. Initially, the service is available to customers of SpareBank 1, DNB, and more than 40 other banks, which serve about 70% of the country's population.

"We have been fighting for years for a level playing field with Apple. Finally, it has become a reality," said Rune Harborg, CEO of Vipps MobilePay.

Vipps uses terminals compatible with the national BankAxept system, which covers more than 90% of terminals in Norway. Visa and Mastercard support is expected by summer 2025.

The service is planning to expand its technology to Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, which could set an example for other European providers.

Source: Vipps