Overview
- The Competition and Markets Authority published the draft conduct requirement Tuesday and opened a public consultation that runs until November 17, 2026.
- The draft would require Apple to offer both Secure Element (SE) and Host Card Emulation (HCE) access, give developers APIs and default‑app controls, and publish transparent application and complaint processes.
- The CMA would not set fixed prices but would force Apple to justify charges under fair, reasonable and non‑discriminatory principles that the regulator says should produce substantially lower access fees.
- Apple has rejected changes it says would weaken privacy and security, while the Financial Conduct Authority and other UK regulators have publicly backed the CMA’s competition and consumer aims.
- If adopted after the consultation, the CMA expects a short implementation timetable and says the move could enable rival wallets, account‑to‑account payments, digital IDs, travel passes and digital keys similar to services that launched in the EU after Apple opened NFC there.