Vipps, a leading Norwegian payments app, has become the first third-party service to access the NFC chip on Apple devices.
Now available in Norway, Vipps allows users to make online and NFC payments seamlessly at payment terminals. Users can also set Vipps as their default payment method on iPhones, marking a significant development in mobile payments.
This milestone follows a ruling by the European Commission that required Apple to open access to its NFC chips, which had previously been restricted. The decision aimed to address concerns about market fairness and competition, creating new opportunities for mobile payment providers like Vipps.
Vipps is widely recognized for its versatile payment features. The app supports in-store and online purchases, peer-to-peer transfers, and fundraising for personal or organizational causes.
It currently works with SpareBank 1, DNB, and more than 40 other Norwegian banks, ensuring broad accessibility for users across the country.
“We have fought for a long time to compete on equal terms with Apple. That’s why it feels almost surreal to finally launch our very own solution.
This will now be a rare and exciting battle between the world’s strongest brand and Vipps,” said Rune Garborg, Manager of Vipps MobilePay, emphasizing the significance of the launch.
Vipps operates using BankAxept cards, which are accepted at over 90% of payment terminals in Norway. Looking ahead, the app plans to introduce support for Mastercard and Visa, further enhancing its usability.
Vipps is also preparing to expand its NFC-enabled tap-to-pay services to other Nordic countries, including Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, within the next year.
The launch of Vipps as a tap-to-pay solution on iPhones represents a major shift in mobile payments, providing users with a new, flexible alternative for both everyday transactions and peer-to-peer transfers.
As the app continues to grow, it is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of digital payments across the Nordic region.