GoKawiilUK CMA says Apple's NFC access terms still block Apple Pay rivals
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority says Apple has not matched the terms it offers European developers for accessing the iPhone's NFC chip, leaving UK developers facing high fees, strict terms and technical restrictions. CMA chief Sarah Cardell said these barriers make it too hard for challengers to build competing contactless payment services. The regulator has opened a public consultation on forcing changes, while Apple rejected the proposal but said it would keep engaging with the CMA.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The dispute suggests UK regulators may be prepared to impose EU-style access rules on Apple if voluntary compromises remain insufficient, which could open the door to rival wallet apps on iPhones. Apple's pushback, framed around privacy and security, indicates it may resist regulatory pressure longer in the UK than it did in the EU, potentially prolonging the standoff.
- CMA says Apple's UK terms for NFC access are stricter than those offered in the EU.
- Apple has opened a public consultation process after rejecting the CMA's proposed changes.
- Developers cite high fees and technical restrictions as barriers to building Apple Pay competitors.
Source: 9to5mac.com — Ben Lovejoy, 2026-10-20
Published there as: “Apple still makes it too hard for Apple Pay competitors to emerge, says UK”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.