UK CMA plans to require Apple to open iPhone NFC payment access and reduce fees
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UK CMA proposes that Apple open iPhone NFC payment access and substantially reduce fees; Apple opposes the proposal, and the consultation runs until November 17。
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UK regulator plans to require Apple to open iPhone NFC payments and substantially reduce fees
PANews October 21 reported, according to Engadget, that the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) issued a proposal requiring Apple to open iPhone NFC access to contactless payments and “substantially reduce” related fees.CMA said that Apple’s fees and rules hinder innovation and growth among UK fintech companies. Currently in the UK, 39%of payments are made contactlessly, and Apple Wallet is used most often. Unlike the EU, no company in the UK has yet launched a wallet product competing with Apple.CMA proposes that Apple open Wallet access to international mainstream contactless standards, with CMA setting fee principles rather than directly setting prices. Apple has already expressed opposition, saying it should not be required to adopt a solution with weaker privacy and security protections. The consultation will close on November 17.
The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) issued a proposal requiring Apple to open iPhone NFC access to contactless payments and “substantially reduce” related fees.
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CMA said that Apple’s fees and rules hinder innovation and growth among UK fintech companies.
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The original text states that currently in the UK, 39%of payments are made contactlessly, and Apple Wallet is used most often.
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The original text states that, unlike the EU, no company in the UK has yet launched a wallet product competing with Apple.
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CMA proposes that Apple open Wallet access to international mainstream contactless standards, with CMA setting fee principles rather than directly setting prices.
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Apple expressed opposition, saying it should not be required to adopt a solution with weaker privacy and security protections.
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The consultation will close on November 17.
AI-assisted interpretation
The following is analysis, separate from reported facts. Verify important claims independently.
The regulator hopes that other wallets or payment services will be able to use the iPhone’s NFC contactless payment functionality and reduce related fees. However, this is currently only a proposal;CMA plans to establish fee principles rather than directly determine prices. Apple has expressed opposition on privacy and security grounds.
Why it matters to readers
If the proposal is ultimately implemented, Apple’s control over rules and fees for iPhone contactless payment access in the UK could change, potentially creating entry conditions for other wallet products.
This could affect the wallet apps available to UK users in the future and the cost for fintech companies to access iPhone contactless payments; however, no final decision has been made.
Risks and unknowns
The proposal remains in the consultation stage, and it is uncertain whether it will ultimately be implemented or what the specific terms will be.
“Substantially reduce” does not specify fee standards or the extent of the reduction.
Apple's claim that alternative solutions provide weaker privacy and security protections is its position; the original text did not provide independent verification.
The original text does not specify CMA when a decision will be made after the consultation concludes.
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Related concepts
NFC
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