UK regulator proposes opening up iPhone contactless payments to more providers
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened a consultation on proposals that would require Apple to give rival payment providers access to the contactless payment technology built into iPhones. Currently, the near-field communication (NFC) chip that enables tap-to-pay is largely reserved for Apple Pay, meaning other mobile wallets and banking apps cannot offer the same seamless tap-and-go experience on iPhones. The regulator's concern is that this limits competition in mobile payments, potentially keeping fees higher and reducing the incentive for alternative providers to innovate. If the proposals go ahead, other payment services could gain the technical ability to process contactless and in-app payments directly, rather than being routed through Apple's own system. For everyday consumers, the immediate effect of a consultation is minimal, since nothing changes overnight. But the direction of travel is worth watching for anyone who relies on contactless pa...