Mobile payments service Vipps Mobile Pay has launched an alternative payment technology to Apple Pay on iPhone in a world-first move.

Currently available in Norway, ‘tap with Vipp’ allows users to tap their iPhone and Android phones to complete transactions by holding a device close to a payments terminal.

The launch makes Vipps MobilePay the first direct competitor to Apple Pay on iPhone.

The move follows an agreement between the EU and Apple, finalised in July, which now allows other mobile wallets like Vipps to access the iPhone.

The new service gives users access to a range of payment services, including sending money, paying in-store, online payments and money requests. Users can also set Vipps as their default payment app on iPhone and Android and complete payments by unlocking the device.

Customers of SpareBank 1, DNB, and over 40 other local banks will be the first to use the new service, with Vipps planning to expand to further banks in the future.

The app is available on all card terminals that accept cards from BankAxept, the national payment system in Norway.

Vipps MobilePay said the service will soon be available for Visa and Mastercard as the firm looks to expand the service’s geographical reach.

The firm added it plans to launch the ‘tap and go’ solution in Denmark, Finland and Sweden in 2025.  

Rune Garborg, chief executive of Vipps MobilePay, said:"We have fought for years to be able to compete on equal footing with Apple, and it feels almost surreal to finally be able to launch our very own solution. This will now be a very exciting battle between the world's biggest brand and Vipps."

Garborg went on to say that being the first in the world to offer an alternative to Apple Pay on iPhone represents a “huge achievement” as it enables competition with bigger players.


“I’m so proud of my colleagues who have worked hard to achieve this, and thankful for excellent collaboration partners in BankAxept and Thales," continued the chief executive.

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