# UK Regulator Proposes Opening Apple NFC Tech to Third-Party Competition CMA demands lower fees and broader NFC access to foster UK fintech innovation. - **Source:** [GSMArena.com - Latest articles](https://brifing.si/source/ae58cd90-1e26-4445-9a9c-963b7954a50c) - **Published:** 2026-10-20 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e12f99a0-766b-44f6-9f87-a4e339660610 ## CMA Regulatory Intervention The UK Competition and Markets Authority has proposed new rules forcing Apple to open its NFC technology to third-party developers. Regulators argue that current fee structures and restrictive access policies hinder innovation for local fintech firms. This move aims to dismantle barriers that prevent companies from effectively competing within the mobile payment ecosystem. ## Market Access Disparity The regulator highlights a significant contrast between the UK and the European Union. While EU markets saw rapid launches from firms like PayPal and Klarna following NFC access agreements, the UK has seen zero new wallet-type products. This stagnation persists despite contactless payments now accounting for 39% of all transactions in Britain. ## Technical Standard Requirements Apple is currently required to support two primary contactless standards: Secure Element and Host-based Card Emulation. The CMA asserts that neither standard presents inherent security risks. By mandating support for both, the regulator intends to enable UK firms to deploy payment services that are already successfully operating across various European markets today. ## Commercial Viability Mandate While the CMA will not set specific pricing, it has established principles to ensure fees remain commercially viable. The regulator expects these costs to be substantially lower than current Apple charges. The goal is to reward Apple fairly while ensuring that third-party developers can operate profitably within the competitive mobile payment landscape. ## Beyond Payment Applications The proposed changes extend beyond simple financial transactions to include broader digital utility. The CMA envisions opening the NFC hardware for digital IDs, age verification tools, and secure access keys for cars or hotels. This expansion would also facilitate digital tickets, travel passes, and integrated loyalty programs for UK consumers and businesses. ## Apple's Stance on Security Apple has expressed strong opposition to these proposals, citing potential risks to user privacy and security protections. A company spokesperson stated they do not believe the CMA should mandate approaches that lower existing safety standards. Apple intends to continue engaging with regulators to reach an outcome that prioritizes the interests of their users. ## Legislative Framework Context These proposals are enforced under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act of 2024. Apple is subject to these requirements due to its designation as having Strategic Market Status for its mobile platform. This legal framework provides the CMA with the authority to impose conduct requirements aimed at curbing anti-competitive behavior in digital markets. ## Consultation and Final Decision The formal consultation process remains open until November 17, allowing stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposed changes. Following the assessment of these responses, the CMA will issue a final decision. This outcome will determine the future of mobile payment competition and the operational landscape for third-party developers within the United Kingdom. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.gsmarena.com/uk_wants_apple_to_open_up_iphone_contactless_tech_and_charge_lower_fees-news-75134.php — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._