Curve, the London-based digital wallet provider, has launched its iOS-compatible wallet, becoming one of the first companies to challenge Apple Pay on iPhones. This move follows Apple’s compliance with a European Commission ruling requiring it to open up its iPhone NFC interface to third-party providers, breaking its longstanding monopoly on tap-to-pay functionality.
Previously, iPhone users had no alternative to Apple Pay, limiting banks and digital wallets from offering competing experiences. Curve’s new iOS wallet aims to disrupt this by offering significantly more functionality than Apple Pay, bringing all of a user’s cards into one smart wallet. Features include real-time spending insights, the ability to change the payment source even after a transaction is made, split payments, and rewards stacking — all from one unified interface.
“The payments ecosystem has for far too long been a one player game,” said Curve CEO and Founder Shachar Bialick. “Now with Apple’s hands forced to open to competition, Curve Pay ushers in a new era of choice for iOS consumers. Curve Pay empowers users to see and spend their money differently and opens a gateway to more intelligent spending.”
Bialick added that the company is delivering on universal access with Curve Pay now live on both Android and iOS, allowing all users to benefit from its smart features regardless of device. While Bialick claims Curve is the first to bring this level of choice to iOS in Europe, that assertion could be challenged, as Norway’s Vipps introduced a similar tap-to-pay feature for iPhones back in December.