UK CMA Proposes Opening iPhone NFC to Rival Payment Apps
The regulator wants Apple to support both SE and HCE contactless standards in the UK and expects any fees to be substantially lower than today's.
The UK Competition and Markets Authority has outlined proposals that would require Apple to open iPhone NFC technology to more third parties, on more favorable terms and with lower fees. The proposal is a conduct requirement under the UK's Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act of 2024.
The CMA wants Apple to provide access through both secure element (SE) and host-based card emulation (HCE) contactless standards in the UK. Apple currently offers only SE access there. The regulator said it will not set prices itself, but has proposed principles for determining fees and expects them to be substantially lower than what Apple charges now.
The CMA noted that no firm has launched a wallet-type product to compete with Apple in the UK, while several alternative payment apps launched in the EU after Apple agreed to EU NFC access.
An Apple spokesperson said the company does not believe the CMA should require lower privacy and security protections and will continue to engage constructively. The consultation closes on November 17, with a final decision to follow once responses are assessed.
How the UK market compares
Apple was designated as having Strategic Market Status for its mobile platform under the 2024 act. Contactless payments now account for 39% of all payments in the UK, up from 3% a decade ago, and more than 60% of UK adults use a digital wallet, with Apple Wallet the most popular. In October 2025, six months after Apple agreed to provide NFC access for payments in the EU, Vipps launched the first alternative payment app there, followed by PayPal, Klarna, Curve and BBVA.
Quick answers
What does the UK CMA want Apple to change?
It wants Apple to open iPhone NFC access to more third parties through both secure element and host-based card emulation standards, on more favorable terms and with lower fees.
When does the CMA consultation close?
The consultation closes on November 17, with a final decision after responses are assessed.
Is the proposal already in force?
No. It is a proposal under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act of 2024, and Apple has said it will continue to engage with the regulator.