Curve Launches Curve Pay on iOS

The digital wallet service, Curve, has introduced its Curve Pay feature for iPhone users through the NFC interface available on newer iPhones. This announcement follows Apple’s acceptance of a ruling from the European Commission regarding competition concerns.

The European Commission’s decision required Apple to make certain commitments legally binding under EU antitrust regulations, addressing past issues related to Apple’s refusal to provide rival companies access to its NFC technology standards.

Curve had initially planned to launch on iOS since May 2024, aiming to enable iPhone users to make contactless payments by double-clicking the side button. This move is designed to help banks reduce transaction fees they currently pay to Apple.

In light of the rapid adoption of mobile contactless payments in Europe—where online transactions saw a growth rate of over 60% and in-store payments an increase of nearly 25% by 2024—the launch of Curve Pay aims to break down monopolies and offer iOS users more flexibility.

With Curve Pay, users gain access to advanced features such as real-time spending insights, reward stacking, and the ability to switch between payment sources after a transaction. The goal is to empower European users to manage their finances in smarter ways.

As a pass-through wallet that uses existing card credentials like Apple Pay, Curve’s architecture enhances the payment experience by providing functionalities beyond simple tap-to-pay. These include changing cards, splitting payments, earning cashback, and tracking spending in real time through a single app.