The Competition and Markets Authority has proposed requiring Apple to give developers fairer access to the contactless technology built into iPhones, in a move intended to widen competition among digital wallets and payment services.
The regulator opened a consultation on 20 October 2026 covering near field communication, or NFC, the technology used when a phone or other device is held near a payment terminal or compatible reader. The proposals concern the rules and charges applying to businesses seeking to use that technology on Apple’s mobile platform.
The CMA wants access to be offered on fair, reasonable, transparent and non-discriminatory terms. It also proposes allowing different technical approaches, including host card emulation as well as the secure-element arrangements associated with Apple’s existing systems.
Access to NFC is commercially important to banks and financial technology providers developing wallets, ticketing and other contactless services. The regulator argues that restrictive terms or excessive costs can discourage businesses from introducing alternatives to Apple’s own products.
Apple has made contactless functions available through various arrangements in different markets, but the CMA considers that current UK access terms may still deter competition. Its proposal follows earlier market work and the strategic market status framework covering major mobile platforms.
The consultation does not amount to a final finding that Apple has broken competition law. Nor does it immediately give every developer unrestricted access to the device hardware. Any future requirement would depend on the regulator completing the consultation and settling the terms it considers appropriate.
Apple has raised concerns that additional access must protect customers’ security and privacy. The CMA’s approach must consequently address the safeguards associated with payment credentials, authentication and interaction between applications and payment terminals.
The technical distinction between a secure element and host card emulation is material. A secure element protects sensitive payment functions in dedicated hardware or a similarly controlled environment; host card emulation can support contactless payment interaction through software arrangements. Different approaches carry different implementation and security requirements.
The regulator has linked its proposals with wider efforts to support UK financial technology development. A more open interface could create opportunities for payment providers to differentiate their services, although the extent of commercial take-up would depend on implementation costs and market demand.
Other jurisdictions have taken action over mobile contactless access, including European Union commitments and requirements, but the UK process is a separate regulatory exercise. The CMA has not said that all features or charges used elsewhere will automatically be copied into the UK framework.
The proposed terms would apply to developer access to the NFC functions used for compatible contactless applications. They are not a general requirement for Apple to open all operating system interfaces or reveal proprietary source code to competitors.
Payment services must comply with separate financial, consumer and security obligations even if technical access becomes easier. A fintech obtaining the right to build a contactless application would still need to develop a product that meets payment network and applicable regulatory requirements.
The UK consultation seeks evidence from organisations that might provide rival services and from other stakeholders affected by the rules. Commercial fees, technical access and non-discrimination are part of that analysis, rather than merely the ability to switch a setting on an iPhone.
The outcome could affect the economics of competing wallet products, particularly where developers regard existing access charges as a barrier. The size of any subsequent market change cannot be calculated from the consultation alone because the number of products launched and users recruited remains unknown.
Comments are invited as part of the regulatory process before a decision is taken. Until that process is complete, the access requirements remain proposed rather than binding measures imposed on Apple.
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