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.
engadget.com
· 2026-10-20
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority has launched a consultation proposing that Apple widen third-party access to its contactless payment technology and substantially lower the fees it charges firms to use it. The regulator says current restrictions block fintechs and other developers from building competing payment, ticket and travel apps. Apple disputes this, saying its system already enables secure innovation and that lowering restrictions could weaken security.
bbc.co.uk
· 2026-10-20
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.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-10-20
The UK Competition and Markets Authority has proposed requiring Google and Android device makers to present search-engine choice screens when phones or Chrome are first set up, followed by annual prompts. The plan also calls for offering users a choice of AI assistants that meet certain security standards, and for requiring search providers to clearly attribute publisher content shown in results. The proposals build on measures introduced earlier in 2026, including a June 3rd rule letting publishers opt out of AI results.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-23
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