UK competition regulator proposes requiring Apple to open iPhone's contactless payment system to rival services.

What it means

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority has formally proposed an intervention to force Apple to open up the iPhone's near-field communication (NFC) contactless payment hardware to rival payment providers, so that banks and other mobile wallets can offer tap-to-pay without relying on Apple Pay. This is a regulatory move under the UK's digital markets competition regime, aimed at boosting competition in mobile payments.

Accuracy & sourcesSourced

This is a primary-source claim — a direct announcement from the Department for Business and Trade (the CMA's parent department) describing the CMA's own proposal. The reporting sits close to the official release, so the core fact is solid; specifics of the proposed remedy mechanics are not detailed in the headline and are inferred.

How new

This is a current development, not resurfaced material — the proposal is being announced and consulted on now.

Go deeper

• Dept for Business and Trade — first to publish