UK regulator proposes changes to Apple Pay access

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has proposed rules intended to make it easier for rival payment providers to offer contactless services on iPhones. The regulator says Apple’s fees and restrictions have limited competition and that its proposals could substantially lower access fees. It says it is not seeking to set Apple’s prices or terms.

Apple allowed third-party firms to offer Apple Pay alternatives in the UK in 2024, but required them to use its Secure Element to protect payment-card information. In the European Union, rules require Apple to let providers use host card emulation (HCE) for free instead. The CMA wants UK providers to have access to that technology and says it sees no inherent security concerns.

Apple told Reuters it opposes being required to adopt an approach with lower privacy and security protections, and said it would continue discussions with the CMA. The regulator expects its proposed principles to lead to substantially lower charges while fairly compensating Apple for access.

TechRadar also cited Fidesmo CEO and co-founder Mattias Eld, who argued that Apple’s restrictions and fees constrain competitors. The article speculated that revenue and Apple’s desire for control could help explain the company’s policies; those are the author’s interpretations, not stated findings by the CMA. It noted that Apple’s iPhone revenue rose 21% to $54.25 billion in the third quarter of 2026.