The UK's Competition and Markets Authority has proposed forcing Apple to open up the iPhone's NFC payment system to competitors. The regulator argues that Apple's fees and access terms are preventing British fintechs from launching rival wallet products, despite the UK being a major fintech hub supporting more than 360,000 jobs. Contactless payments now account for 39 percent of all UK transactions, and Apple Wallet is the most popular choice.
The CMA notes that unlike in the EU, not a single wallet-type competitor has emerged in the UK. It wants Apple to provide access to the main international contactless standards and to make the terms commercially viable, with charges expected to be "substantially lower" than current fees. Rather than setting prices itself, the regulator says it would propose principles for how rates should be determined.
Apple has objected, saying it already enables developers in the UK and worldwide to offer contactless transactions through its NFC and Secure Element platform. The company argues that the CMA should not require an approach with lower privacy and security protections, and says it will continue to engage constructively. The consultation closes on November 17, 2026, with a final decision to follow after responses are assessed.