Brief
UK regulator proposes forcing Apple to open NFC to rival payment apps
The CMA says high fees and technical restrictions are limiting competition in the UK mobile payments market.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a consultation on proposals that would require Apple to grant rival firms easier access to its near‑field communication (NFC) technology used for contactless payments.
What happened
The CMA’s consultation, announced on 20 October 2026, aims to lower access fees and remove technical barriers that Apple Pay’s rivals say hinder innovation. The regulator says Apple Pay is now the most popular digital wallet among UK adults, but banks and payment firms have complained about “high fees, strict terms, and technical restrictions”. The consultation will close on 17 November 2026.
What the reports add
Standard.co.uk notes that the proposals mirror steps taken in the EU, where Apple was forced to drop fees and allow access to the iPhone’s contactless chip, prompting alternative wallets such as PayPal to launch. The article also quotes CMA chief Sarah Cardell, who says the changes would spur “more innovation, more choice and economic growth” in the fintech sector.
What was said
Sarah Cardell told the press that “these proposals open the door to more innovation, more choice and economic growth, including in the UK’s important fintech sector”. FCA executive director David Geale welcomed the move, saying “improved access and substantially lower fees should create greater competition and more choice for consumers and businesses”. An Apple spokeswoman responded that the company “does not believe the CMA should require Apple to adopt an approach with lower privacy and security protections”.
Key facts
- The CMA is consulting on proposals to force Apple to open NFC access to rival payment firms. (standard.co.uk)
- Apple Pay is the most popular digital wallet among UK adults, according to CMA research. (standard.co.uk)
- The consultation closes on 17 November 2026. (standard.co.uk)
- Apple’s UK spokesperson said the company does not believe the CMA should lower privacy and security protections. (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Apple should open access to contactless payment systems, says regulator”
