UK watchdog says Apple still makes it too hard to compete with Apple Pay
The UK Competition and Markets Authority says Apple’s terms for third-party access to the iPhone’s NFC chip remain too difficult for developers to build Apple Pay rivals. The regulator has opened a public consultation on proposed changes.
The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) says Apple still makes it difficult for third-party developers to launch alternatives to Apple Pay, despite loosening its control over the NFC chip in iPhones.
The regulator said developers had reported high fees, strict terms and technical restrictions affecting access to Apple’s contactless technology.
The CMA has opened a public consultation on proposals to reduce Apple’s control over the NFC chip. Apple rejected the proposal but said it would continue working with the regulator.
Different terms in the UK and EU
In EU countries, developers can request access by showing that they meet industry standards and hold the licences required to process consumer payments. No fee is charged, and users can select their default wallet app.
The CMA said Apple had not offered developers the same terms in the UK. Apple Wallet was initially the only app able to use the iPhone’s NFC chip for card payments, prompting antitrust action in several countries.
CMA and Apple respond
CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell said Apple’s conditions made it too difficult for challengers to innovate and compete. Apple said it did not believe the regulator should require an approach with weaker privacy and security protections, while promising to engage constructively in the process.
What we know
- The CMA says Apple’s terms remain too difficult for Apple Pay competitors.
- The regulator has opened a public consultation on access to the iPhone’s NFC chip.
- In the EU, developers can request access without a fee and users can choose a default wallet.
- Apple opposes an approach it says would provide weaker privacy and security protections.
Trust: Single source
- The story relies on one publisher. A second independent confirmation has not been established from the cited sources.
- Sources: 9to5Mac.
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