UK's CMA Proposes Apple to Remove Barriers to Mobile Contactless Technology

06:42 AM EDT, 10/20/2026 (MT Newswires) -- The UK's competition regulator is proposing that Apple (APC.F) remove technical barriers and lower fees for local businesses seeking access to its near-field communication technology, which enables mobile contactless payments. Apple's fees and access rules hinder businesses' ability to grow, the Competition and Markets Authority said Tuesday. The proposals aim to give UK companies "a genuine opportunity to compete with existing wallets." It noted that, unlike in the European Union, no company has launched a wallet-type product to compete with Apple's app in the UK. The regulator's consultation on the proposals will close on Nov. 17, after which it will take a final decision. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment from MT Newswires.