UK CMA Demands Apple Open iPhone NFC Payments and Lower Fees

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued a proposal requiring Apple to open access to NFC contactless payment on the iPhone and significantly reduce related fees. The CMA stated that Apple's charges and rules hinder innovation and development among UK fintech companies. Currently, 39% of payments in the UK are made via contactless methods, with Apple Wallet being the most widely used. Unlike the EU, no companies in the UK have launched competing wallet products against Apple. The CMA proposed that Apple open Wallet access to international mainstream contactless standards, with the CMA setting the fee principles without directly pricing them. Apple has opposed this, arguing that it should not be required to adopt solutions with weaker privacy and security protections. The consultation period will end on November 17.

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