The UK CMA proposes measures requiring Apple to provide easier access to its contactless tech and reduce access fees, with a consultation until November 17

You may soon have more options for contactless services on your iPhone, beyond Apple's own offerings.

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has proposed new measures to compel Apple to provide broader and more affordable access to its iPhone contactless technology, specifically near field communication (NFC). Currently, Apple's fees and access rules are seen as a barrier to innovation for UK fintechs and other businesses. The CMA's proposals aim to reduce these access fees, making it commercially viable for more companies to develop and compete with new digital products and services. This includes requiring Apple to support the main international contactless technology standards, not just its current offering, thereby giving businesses more choice. The CMA is currently consulting on these proposals, with a deadline of November 17, 2026, to gather feedback before a final decision is made. This action follows Apple's designation of having Strategic Market Status in relation to its mobile platform.

These CMA proposals signal a significant regulatory intervention aimed at democratizing access to essential mobile hardware functionalities, a move that could reshape the competitive landscape for digital services on iOS. By mandating access to alternative NFC technologies and potentially lower fees, the CMA is attempting to foster an ecosystem in the UK that mirrors the competitive innovation seen in the EU, where multiple third-party digital wallets have emerged. This could lead to a proliferation of new services built on iPhone's contactless capabilities, ranging from alternative payment solutions to digital identity and access management tools.

The implications extend beyond fintech, potentially affecting any sector reliant on secure, close-proximity communication for service delivery. If successful, this regulatory action could serve as a blueprint for other jurisdictions concerned about platform gatekeepers controlling critical mobile technologies. Businesses that have previously found Apple's terms prohibitive may now find a viable pathway to market, while Apple itself faces increased pressure to adapt its long-standing access policies globally.