UK regulator asks Apple to widen access to iPhone NFC payment technology

Summary

The UK antitrust regulator has proposed changes asking Apple to widen access to its near-monopoly over contactless NFC payments on iPhones. The proposed changes could lead to new digital wallets and keys, as well as ticketing apps, according to the regulator. Reporting describes the move as targeting Apple's near-monopoly on contactless NFC smartphone payments.

Timeline

1. BBC

   20 Oct 2026, 12:29 UTCSource ↗

   BBC reports that the UK has asked Apple to widen access to its payment technology, and that the proposed changes could lead to new digital wallets and keys as well as ticketing apps, the regulator says.

2. Engadget

   20 Oct 2026, 12:42 UTCSource ↗

   Engadget reports that the UK antitrust regulator wants Apple to open up iPhone NFC access, targeting Apple's near-monopoly on contactless NFC smartphone payments.