Apple Inc. has long been the dominant name in the world of contactless payments. Its Apple Pay service, embedded in iPhones and Apple Watches, has become a staple for millions of users who swipe or tap to pay. In the United Kingdom, the company’s reach is so extensive that a significant portion of everyday transactions now flow through its secure network.
On 2026-10-20, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced that it was consulting on measures that could force Apple to open its contactless payment system to rivals. The regulator’s proposal centers on reducing Apple’s dominance by cutting access fees and easing technical restrictions that currently limit other firms from tapping into the same infrastructure.
Contactless payments now account for 39% of all transactions in the UK, and 60% of adults use a digital wallet. These numbers illustrate how entrenched Apple Pay has become in everyday life.
By removing these barriers, the regulator believes it can create the conditions for brilliant British businesses to develop new products and services.
The CMA’s proposals would result in substantially lower access fees and easier access to Apple’s contactless technology. By removing these barriers, the regulator believes it can create the conditions for brilliant British businesses to develop new products and services. “These proposals open the door to more innovation, more choice and economic growth, including in the UK’s important fintech sector,” said Sarah Cardell, a senior policy officer at the CMA.
Apple’s own spokeswoman countered the regulator’s push, stating, “We do not believe the CMA should require Apple to adopt an approach with lower privacy and security protections.” Meanwhile, Cardell emphasized that “By removing barriers to entry, we can help create the conditions for brilliant British businesses with great ideas to develop new products and services here – from payment apps and digital IDs to travel passes and digital keys.”
Apple has already faced similar requirements in the European Union, where regulators have mandated that the company open its payment system to competitors. The UK’s move follows this precedent, suggesting a broader shift toward greater openness in the fintech sector.
[ABA Antitrust Daily Digest October 20, 2026] Apple Faces UK Pressure to Open iPhone to Rival Wallets (Bloomberg) Apple Inc.’s control over the iPhone is blocking fintech rivals from competing with its digital wallet, the UK’s antitrust watchdog said proposing to force the Big Tech firm to open up its contactless technology. https://t.co/5vjHST2KeB
The CMA’s consultation is still in its early stages, and the regulator is gathering input from industry stakeholders before finalizing any mandates. If the proposals move forward, they could reshape the competitive landscape of contactless payments in the UK, potentially leading to lower costs for merchants and more options for consumers.
