The tech giant, Apple is currently under investigation by the Secretariat of the Swiss Competition Commission (COMCO). The inquiry is centred on possible breaches of Swiss competition laws. Apple, renowned globally for its innovative technology, finds itself in the spotlight of the Swiss authorities. Launched on December 10, 2025, the preliminary investigation aims to ascertain if Apple has unfairly restricted competition in the mobile payments market.
The primary focus of the investigation is the contactless payments system. Specifically, the COMCO is examining if other mobile payment app providers can compete effectively in this market. Apple’s dominance in the tech industry is well-documented, yet this investigation could pose significant challenges.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Apple has faced scrutiny over its business practices. The tech company has previously been investigated for alleged anti-competitive behaviour. However, this is the first time the company faces a probe specifically related to contactless payment systems.
Impact on the Contactless Payment Market
As the investigation proceeds, there are potential implications for the contactless payment market. If the COMCO finds that Apple has indeed infringed upon competition laws, it could lead to a shake-up in the market.
Increasingly, consumers are opting for contactless payments for their convenience and speed. As such, this market is burgeoning and highly competitive. Any findings against Apple could provide an opportunity for other mobile payment app providers to gain a stronger foothold.
However, it’s also worth noting that the investigation is still in its preliminary stages. Therefore, it’s too early to predict with certainty what the outcome will be. The Secretariat of the Swiss Competition Commission will have to thoroughly examine the evidence before reaching a conclusion.
Nonetheless, this development could be a significant moment in the ongoing discussion about the power and influence of tech giants. It underscores the importance of maintaining a level playing field in the digital market space.
