PayPal NFC payment has officially launched for iPhone users in Germany, marking a major step in contactless payment options across Europe.
This rollout follows a European Union mandate requiring Apple to open its iPhone NFC chip to third-party apps. PayPal is now among the first to take advantage of the change.
PayPal Brings Tap-to-Pay to iPhone in Germany
According to reports from German tech site iPhone Ticker, German users can now access PayPal’s tap-to-pay feature at supported payment terminals.
The feature works with terminals that support Mastercard transactions and is currently limited to iPhones. Users won’t be able to make NFC payments using Apple Watch at this time.
PayPal confirmed the launch earlier this month, positioning the move as part of its broader push into contactless mobile payments.
Apple Opens NFC Access Under EU Pressure
The launch of PayPal NFC payment in Germany is the direct result of Apple’s compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The DMA requires tech giants to create fairer digital environments by removing platform exclusivity. In this case, it forced Apple to open up the iPhone’s NFC capabilities to other wallet providers.
This shift began last year, when Apple first announced it would allow third-party apps to use its NFC hardware within the European Union.
Other Players Enter the NFC Market
PayPal is not the first to take advantage of Apple’s new NFC rules. In December 2023, Norwegian app Vipps became the pioneer in launching NFC tap-to-pay services on iPhones.
Outside the EU, Apple has also been loosening restrictions. In August, it announced that developers in the U.S. and other regions could implement in-app NFC-based payments.
Additionally, Apple has allowed businesses to use iPhones as contactless payment terminals via third-party services. PayPal previously integrated this capability into its Venmo and Zettle platforms in early 2024.
Why This Matters for Consumers and the Industry
The arrival of PayPal NFC payment for iPhone users in Germany marks a significant win for consumer choice and digital wallet competition.
Until now, Apple Pay had a virtual monopoly over tap-to-pay on iPhones. With third-party apps now joining the field, consumers get more flexibility in how they pay.
For PayPal, this move strengthens its European presence and positions the company as a serious contender in mobile point-of-sale systems.
Conclusion
The launch of PayPal NFC payment on iPhone in Germany signals a new chapter in the mobile payments landscape.
As regulatory pressure pushes Apple to open its ecosystem, third-party wallets like PayPal are stepping in to meet consumer demand for flexible, contactless payments.
With more players entering the space, the contactless economy in Europe is set to evolve rapidly.
