UK regulator seeks wider access to Apple’s tap-to-pay technology
The CMA says lower fees and broader access could open the door to rival wallet services and new payment tools in the UK.
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has proposed forcing Apple to open iPhone contactless payment access more widely, saying the current setup is holding back fintech competition and new wallet-style services. The watchdog wants Apple’s fees for using its tap-to-pay technology to be much lower, and says the changes could enable products such as digital IDs, travel passes, digital keys and account-to-account payments. It argues that the UK’s payments market is large, with contactless used in 39% of payments and Apple Wallet the most popular digital wallet, yet no rival wallet-type app has launched in the UK. Apple says wider access could weaken privacy and security, and that its current approach already lets developers offer secure contactless transactions. The CMA’s consultation closes on November 17, 2026, with a final decision to follow after responses are reviewed.
Why it matters
If the proposal goes through, UK users could see more options built around iPhone contactless payments, rather than one dominant wallet setup. The CMA is tying that to a market where contactless is already common and no competing wallet-type product has launched, which means the decision could shape how much room rivals have to reach users on iPhone.
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Sources
- BBC Technology
- Engadget