UK regulator proposes lower Apple contactless fees for rivals
Britain’s competition regulator proposed lower access fees and fewer technical barriers to Apple’s iPhone contactless technology, opening a consultation through November 17.
UK regulator proposes lower Apple contactless fees for rivals
Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority proposed measures to loosen Apple’s control over iPhone contactless payments, including substantially lower access fees and easier access to the technology used by Apple Pay. The proposal is intended to give digital banks and other providers a fairer route into a market where contactless payments now account for 39% of all payments, according to the CMA.
The regulator’s consultation runs until November 17. The proposed approach is less sweeping than the European Union’s 2024 measures, which included free access for third-party wallet developers. The CMA said more than 60% of UK adults use a digital wallet and that Apple Wallet is the country’s most popular.
Apple cites privacy and security
Apple said developers can already offer contactless payments, transit passes and tickets through NFC and its secure element. It argued that a mandated approach with lower privacy and security protections would not be appropriate, while saying it would engage with the process. The consultation is not a final decision, but its outcome could determine whether competing wallets can offer a wider range of tap-to-pay services on iPhones.
Image: Apple Newsroom.
Sources
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