The European mobile payments landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as leading providers BLIK and Swish unveil plans to expand their iOS NFC payment capabilities.
BLIK and Swish iOS NFC expansions
With Android users already enjoying seamless tap-to-pay functionality, both systems are now turning their attention to iOS users following Apple’s recent decision to open its NFC technology to third-party providers.
BLIK’s Vision for Accessibility
BLIK, Poland’s premier mobile payment system, has gained remarkable traction, particularly among Android users.
Since its launch, more than 3.5 million users have activated BLIK’s contactless payment feature, driving an impressive 79.3 million transactions in Q3 2024 – a 114% increase year-over-year.
Now, the service is set to expand to Apple’s ecosystem, with full implementation across iOS devices anticipated next year.
“This move was a natural progression for BLIK,” explained Dariusz Mazurkiewicz, CEO of Polski Standard Płatności, the operator of the BLIK system.
“The agreement between the European Commission and Apple has enabled us to provide NFC payment options on iOS, breaking barriers and addressing long-standing market needs.
Our ambition is to become the first in Europe to offer a solution that works locally in Poland and globally across an extensive acceptance network.”
BLIK’s strategic partnership with Poland’s largest banks has been instrumental in this rollout.
Mazurkiewicz highlights the importance of collaboration with banking partners to develop a flexible, secure, and widely accessible alternative to global tech giants’ solutions.
Swish – Beyond Android
Swish, Sweden’s leading mobile payment app, is also leveraging Apple’s iOS NFC policy shift to broaden its tap-to-pay functionality to iOS users.
Currently available for Android devices, Swish’s new feature utilises both Visa and Mastercard networks.
With over 8.6 million users and 300,000 businesses onboard, Swish’s influence in Sweden’s payments market is currently unmatched.
Urban Höglund, CEO of Swish, expressed confidence in the platform’s ability to compete with other players, including Apple Pay.
“With our strong user base and brand recognition, Swish will play a vital role in offering alternative payment solutions on iPhone.”
This expansion aligns with trends observed across Scandinavia, where digital wallets and mobile payments dominate consumer preferences.
Norway’s Vipps recently made headlines as the first global platform to introduce a direct competitor to Apple Pay on iOS, underscoring the region’s innovative approach to mobile payments.
The Broader Implications
BLIK and Swish’s advancements highlight a broader shift in the European payments ecosystem, driven by regulatory developments and consumer demand for more flexible options.
Apple’s decision to open its iOS NFC technology has catalysed this wave of innovation, creating opportunities for third-party providers to compete on a level playing field.
For BLIK, this expansion aligns with its ambitions for international growth.
By enabling contactless payments on iOS, the platform can tap into a larger user base and further increase transaction volumes.
Similarly, Swish’s iOS rollout positions it as a formidable competitor to established players like Apple Pay and Google Pay, cementing its role as a leader in Sweden’s payments landscape.
What’s Next?
As BLIK and Swish prepare to bring their contactless capabilities to iOS, the future of mobile payments in Europe looks more inclusive and innovative than ever.
These developments not only enhance user convenience but also demonstrate the value of regulatory collaboration and market competition in driving progress.
For consumers and businesses alike, the growing availability of secure, fast, and flexible mobile payment options is a win – one that sets the stage for a more connected global economy.
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