Britain seeks to break Apple's grip on contactless payments

Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority proposed lower access fees and fewer technical barriers for rival contactless payment services using Apple’s iPhone technology. The CMA says contactless payments now account for 39% of UK payments, while more than 60% of adults use a digital wallet. The proposal would let competitors access the NFC and secure-element functions; a consultation runs to November 17 before a final decision.

The CMA’s published proposal, its market figures and Apple’s response define a direct test of whether the smartphone platform owner can set access conditions in a fast-growing payment market. Apple argues that its current approach protects sensitive card credentials and that a mandated alternative may lower privacy and security protections; the proposal is not a final order, and privacy/security tradeoffs require technical assessment.