organisation

Competition and Markets Authority

UK competition watchdog

Business · UK watchdog proposes forcing Apple to open iPhone contactless payments to rivals

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has proposed requiring Apple to open its iPhone near-field communication (NFC) technology to rival payment providers on fairer commercial terms, potentially allowing users to make contactless payments through apps other than Apple Pay. The watchdog said Apple's current high fees and restrictive terms were preventing businesses from developing alternatives, and it expects access charges to fall substantially.