Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority proposed a conduct requirement intended to widen access to contactless technology on Apple’s iPhone. The regulator wants developers to receive access to near-field communication technology on fair, reasonable, transparent and non-discriminatory terms. It expects the principles to produce substantially lower fees than Apple currently charges. The consultation closes on 17 November 2026.
The CMA designated Apple as having strategic market status in mobile platforms in October 2025, enabling it to impose conduct requirements under Britain’s digital markets regime. Apple currently offers developers secure-element access in the UK. The proposal would also require host card emulation, the alternative standard already available to third-party payment apps in the European Union. The CMA said no competing wallet-type product has launched against Apple’s service in Britain.
ACCESS TERMS AND PAYMENT COMPETITION
Contactless transactions represented 39% of all UK payments in 2025, up from 3% a decade earlier, according to figures cited by the CMA. The regulator said 19.2 billion contactless payments were made during the year. More than 60% of adults use a digital wallet, with Apple Wallet the most widely used option.
The proposed principles would not set a fixed access price. They would instead govern how Apple determines charges while allowing the company to receive fair compensation for providing access. The Financial Conduct Authority welcomed the plan, saying wider access could support competition, consumer choice and account-to-account payments through open banking.
APPLE CHALLENGES THE SECURITY CASE
Apple said developers can already offer contactless services through its near-field communication technology and secure element. The company argued that requiring another approach would provide lower privacy and security protections. It said it would continue engaging with the regulator as the consultation proceeds.
The proposal remains subject to consultation and is not yet a final requirement. The next milestone is the 17 November deadline, after which the CMA will assess submissions before deciding whether to impose the conduct rule. The final terms will determine the fees, technical choices and safeguards available to banks, fintechs and other wallet developers.