The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has proposed rules intended to make it easier and cheaper for companies to offer alternatives to Apple Pay on the iPhone by giving developers more ways to access the device’s NFC functionality and by seeking lower access fees.
Apple Pay rivals and NFC access
The CMA says Apple’s current fees and restrictions make it too difficult for rivals to launch contactless payment apps and is proposing measures that would expand developer access to iPhone NFC and support host card emulation (HCE).
Under existing UK arrangements, Apple opened up NFC access to developers in 2024, but companies must sign an agreement with Apple, pay fees and use the iPhone’s Secure Element, a chip that stores sensitive information such as payment credentials.
The CMA’s proposals would require Apple to also support HCE, an alternative that lets payment apps operate without using the Secure Element, and include rules the CMA expects would substantially lower Apple’s access fees while still allowing the company to charge something.
The authority said the evidence it reviewed did not suggest either approach was inherently insecure.
Apple already offers HCE access for free in the European Union under commitments agreed in 2024; the CMA highlights that rival payment apps have since launched in the EU while no competing wallet-type product has launched in the UK under Apple’s current terms.
Apple said developers can already offer contactless services using its technology, adding: “We do not believe the CMA should require Apple to adopt an approach with lower privacy and security protections. We will continue to engage constructively to reach an outcome that is in the best interest of our users.”
The CMA’s proposals are open for consultation until November 17, 2026; the authority will make a final decision after reviewing responses.
