High fees, strict terms, and technical restrictions in the EU are said to be holding up wider third-party adoption of the NFC chip in an iPhone, and the UK is instead looking for easier access, and no cost.
Following both the UK's 2024 investigation into digital wallets, and Apple's agreement to open NFC access in Europe, the country's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) wants more. It argues that if Apple offers the same terms for UK developers, it will still be insufficient.
Consequently it wants easier access with fewer conditions. The CMA argues that none of this raises any security concerns, and that its proposals are needed to help UK businesses benefit from the technology.
"We have heard that high fees, strict terms, and technical restrictions relating to Apple's contactless technology make it too difficult for challengers to innovate and compete," said Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, in a statement. "By removing barriers to entry, we can help create the conditions for brilliant British businesses with great ideas to develop new products and services here — from payment apps and digital IDs to travel passes and digital keys."
The CMA notes that no firms have released an alternative to Apple Wallet in the UK, while five have in Europe. The first of those was Vipps, which launched in Norway in 2024.
According to the CMA, it is Apple's fees and access rules that are preventing rivals developing digital wallets. However, Apple has told AppleInsider and other venues that it disagrees with the UK's CMA.
"We do not believe the CMA should require Apple to adopt an approach with lower privacy and security protections," said Apple in a statement. "We will continue to engage constructively to reach an outcome that is in the best interest of our users."
The CMA is currently presenting its proposals as a consultation. It is inviting comments until November 17, 2026, and says it will issue its decision shortly afterwards.
