On October 20, 2026, the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published proposals to unlock near field communication (NFC) technology on Apple iPhones. The consultation aims to give UK businesses better access to contactless tech and lower fees.
Proposed Access Requirements
The CMA’s proposals would require Apple to grant access through the main contactless technology standards used internationally. This includes both secure element (SE) and host-based card emulation (HCE).
According to the CMA, evidence suggests neither standard raises inherent security concerns and that access to both standards would support a wide range of innovative use cases.
Commercial Viability and Consultation
The CMA proposed principles for determining access terms, with the expectation that charges would be substantially lower than Apple's current fees. Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, stated that high fees and strict terms make it too difficult for challengers to innovate and compete.
The consultation will close on Tuesday 17 November 2026, and a final decision will be made after responses have been assessed.
Key facts and where they come from
- The CMA published proposals on October 20, 2026, to transform how UK businesses build digital products and services on Apple's iPhone.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is consulting on proposals to transform how UK businesses build digital products and services on Apple’s iPhone.
- Apple currently only offers secure element in the UK, but the proposals would require offering both HCE and SE.
Apple currently only offers SE in the UK, and the proposals mean that it would be required to offer both HCE and SE.
- The consultation closes on Tuesday 17 November 2026.
The consultation will close on Tuesday 17 November 2026, and a final decision will be made after responses have been assessed.
