The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened a consultation on proposals to change how UK businesses can build contactless products and services on Apple's iPhone, according to the regulator's 20 October 2026 press release. The CMA said Apple's fees and access rules for near field communication (NFC) risk blocking fintechs from innovating and growing.

The proposals would require Apple to grant access through the two main contactless technology standards used internationally, secure element (SE) and host-based card emulation (HCE), rather than only SE as at present. The CMA said it is not proposing to set prices and terms itself, but has set out principles under which charges are expected to be substantially lower than Apple's current fees while still rewarding the company for providing access. The regulator cited UK Finance (2026) figures that contactless payments represented 39% of all payments, up from 3% a decade earlier, and Which? (2026) finding that 62% of UK adults use a digital wallet, with Apple Wallet the most popular at 50%.

The consultation is scheduled to close on 17 November 2026, with a final decision after responses are assessed. The proposals form part of a proposed conduct requirement under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, following Apple's designation as having Strategic Market Status in relation to its mobile platform.