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UK CMA proposes requiring Apple to open iPhone contactless payments to competitors

The UK Competition and Markets Authority launched a consultation on proposed commitments requiring Apple to open iPhone contactless technology to rival digital wallets and reduce developer access fees.

Grade One Newsroom · 1 min read

Sources: 1 · top grade 1How evidence is graded

60%

of UK adults use digital wallets as CMA proposes opening Apple iPhone contactless access

Grade 1 · Primary

Source: Competition and Markets Authority

What changed
The UK Competition and Markets Authority launched a consultation on proposed conduct requirements requiring Apple to open its iPhone contactless NFC technology to rival payment wallet providers.
Who it counts
UK payment providers, digital wallet developers, and British consumers using contactless transactions on mobile devices.
What it does not tell you
The proposals remain in a public consultation running until 17 November 2026 before the regulator decides whether to impose binding commitments or conduct rules.

The full story Check the source

The UK Competition and Markets Authority published proposals on 20 October 2026 to require Apple to open up its iPhone Near Field Communication contactless technology to competing wallet providers [1]. The CMA noted that 60% of UK adults use a digital wallet [1].

Contactless payments now account for 39% of all card and financial transactions in the United Kingdom, yet no competing digital wallet has launched on iOS in the UK [1]. The CMA found that Apple's licensing conditions and fees have restricted fintech innovation [1].

The proposed conduct requirements would require Apple to charge substantially lower access fees and grant access through both Host-based Card Emulation and Secure Element standards [1]. Stakeholders may submit responses through 17 November 2026 [1].

What it measures

Proposed regulatory remedies and competition conditions governing mobile payment wallet access to iOS contactless hardware in the United Kingdom [1].

What it does not tell you

The consultation does not set the specific numerical fee cap Apple will be permitted to charge or specify the exact technical implementation deadline for third-party wallet integration [1].

Sources and their grades

  1. Competition and Markets Authority, CMA outlines proposals to unlock contactless technology on Apple iPhone. Read 20 October 2026. Grade 1 · Primary Consultation announcement and proposed commitments notice published under UK digital markets competition powers.

A grade says how much weight a source will take, from 1 (a body that can compel an answer and has nothing to sell) to 5 (somebody describing what they sell, or themselves). The standard sets out what each grade may be used for.

Filed under Antitrust Apple Fintech Mobile payments United Kingdom

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