Overview
- The CMA published a draft conduct requirement on Tuesday that would require Apple to widen access to iPhone contactless hardware and change commercial terms under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act.
- The proposal would let developers request access to either the device secure element or Host Card Emulation and require support for features such as Express Mode, Power Reserve, and a user-selectable default wallet.
- The regulator would force Apple to publish fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory access charges and processes, and it says those principles should lead to substantially lower fees without fixing a single price.
- Apple has rejected the CMA’s approach on the grounds it would reduce privacy and security protections but said it will continue to engage with the regulator.
- The CMA is consulting until November 17, after which it will decide whether to impose the requirement and, if adopted, expect Apple to comply on a short implementation timetable; the move follows EU steps that led to rival wallets such as Vipps, PayPal and Klarna launching alternatives.