UK regulator proposes cuts to Apple Pay fees to boost fintech competition
The Competition and Markets Authority has unveiled a plan to lower Apple’s contactless payment fees and ease technical restrictions, aiming to let rival services compete with Apple Pay.
Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority announced a set of measures intended to weaken Apple’s dominance over contactless payments. The draft would require Apple to cut the fees it levies on developers for access to its NFC and secure-element systems and to relax technical conditions that hinder competing wallets. While the EU forced free access for third-party wallets in 2024, the CMA’s approach is comparatively modest.
Officials argue that lower costs and fewer barriers will encourage home-grown fintech firms to launch new services, from payment apps to digital tickets. The consultation period ends on 17 November, after which the CMA will decide on a final policy. Apple maintains that its current framework protects user privacy and security and will continue discussions with the regulator.
Why it matters
Easing Apple’s fees could open the UK market to more payment innovators and give consumers cheaper, diverse digital wallet options.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps report the CMA's proposal to lower Apple Pay fees and open NFC to competitors, emphasizing competition benefits; the wording differs only in phrasing.
CENTER
Regulator proposes fee cuts and relaxed technical rules to boost fintech competition and weaken Apple’s dominance
RIGHT
Regulator urges Apple to open its NFC system, portraying the move as a crackdown on high fees and restrictive terms
The right emphasises
- firms complain about high fees, restrictive terms and technical limits
- measures could lower access charges and broaden choice for fintech companies
- Apple cautions that mandated changes might reduce privacy and security protections
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