In the EU Apple’s NFC should be open to other providers https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/19/24043965/apple-iphone-nfc-payments-open-up-third-party-developers-european-union-antitrust
Discussion
other providers:
"To support contactless transactions, eligible iOS apps will need an HCE entitlement. The entitlement ensures that only authorized app developers who commit to comply with certain industry and regulatory requirements, and commit to ongoing security and privacy standards can access these APIs."
aka “we want to KYC you”. Got the message.