Apple faces being forced to open its iPhone contactless payment chip to rivals under UK watchdog plans

CMA chief Sarah Cardell says 'high fees, strict terms, and technical restrictions' from Apple are making it 'too difficult' for challengers to compete. The Competition and Markets Authority is calling for 'substantially lower' access fees for the near field communication technology. Banks and payment firms have flagged concerns about Apple's charges. The consultation closes on November 17, after which a final decision will be issued.

Apple Pay is now the UK's most popular digital wallet for mobile payments.

Apple says it will not accept an approach with weaker privacy and security protection.

The EU forced free access in 2024, and PayPal, Klarna and Curve launched rival wallets.