UK CMA Proposes Opening Apple's iPhone Contactless Payment Technology to Rivals

Britain's Competition and Markets Authority has published formal proposals requiring Apple to open its iPhone NFC contactless technology and substantially lower access fees for rival payment services. The measures aim to curb Apple's dominance as contactless transactions reached 39% of all UK payments, up from 3% a decade ago, and over 60% of UK adults use digital wallets. The CMA's public consultation runs through November 17, 2026. The move follows Apple preparing for a legal fight under the UK's strategic market status rules, which carry potential fines of up to 10% of global turnover.