UK Regulator Proposes Easier Access for Apple Pay Rivals

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has proposed giving Apple Pay rivals broader access to NFC technology on the iPhone. NFC enables contactless payments when a device is held near a payment terminal.

The regulator said Apple's fees and restrictions make it difficult to launch competing payment apps. Its proposals would expand developers' access options and substantially reduce Apple's charges, while still allowing the company to collect some fees.

Alternative access to NFC

The CMA wants Apple to support host card emulation, or HCE. This would allow payment apps to operate without using the Secure Element, a chip that stores sensitive information including payment credentials.

Apple opened NFC access to UK developers in 2024, but its current terms require companies to sign an agreement, pay fees and use the Secure Element.

Difference from EU rules

Apple already provides free HCE access in the European Union under commitments agreed in 2024. The CMA said rival payment apps have launched in the EU since then, while no competing wallet-type product has launched in the UK under Apple's current terms.

Apple told Reuters that developers can already provide contactless services using its technology. The company opposed an approach it said would reduce privacy and security protections, and said it would continue engaging with the regulator.

The CMA said the evidence it reviewed did not indicate that either the Secure Element or HCE was inherently insecure. The consultation closes on November 17, 2026, after which the regulator will review responses before making a final decision.