GoKawiilUK's CMA proposes forcing Apple to open iPhone NFC payments to rivals
The UK Competition and Markets Authority has proposed requiring Apple to let third-party developers access its iPhone NFC and Wallet features, including Face ID and double-click-to-pay, at substantially lower fees. The regulator says Apple's current fees and closed access rules are blocking UK fintechs from launching competing payment wallets, unlike in the EU where Apple opened such access in 2024 under an antitrust settlement.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The proposal suggests the CMA wants UK developers to get the same access terms EU firms secured after Apple avoided a fine worth up to 10% of global turnover, which could open the door to competing mobile wallets in Britain. If adopted, this could reshape Apple's revenue from payment partnerships and set a precedent for how dominant platform rules are regulated outside the EU.
- CMA wants Apple to lower fees and open NFC/Wallet access to UK fintechs
- Unlike the EU, no competing wallet has launched in the UK despite existing iOS 18.1 APIs
- CMA says it found no inherent security risk in enabling such access, rather than dictating specific prices
Source: engadget.com — Steve Dent, 2026-10-20
Published there as: “UK antitrust regulator wants Apple to open up iPhone NFC access”
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