CMA consults on forcing Apple to open iPhone NFC access to developers on fair terms
The CMA has published a provisional conduct requirement that would compel Apple to give developers access to NFC technology on iOS on fair, reasonable, transparent and non-discriminatory terms. The 147-page consultation sets out the regulator's assessment of effectiveness and proportionality and runs for under a month. It also assures respondents that Apple confidentiality arrangements cannot be used to block participation.
- The CMA proposes a conduct requirement obliging Apple to provide NFC access on iOS on fair, reasonable, transparent and non-discriminatory terms.
- The consultation was published on 20 October 2026 and closes at 11:59pm on 17 November 2026.
- The 147-page consultation document contains the CMA's provisional assessment of the requirement's effectiveness and proportionality.
- Non-disclosure agreements with Apple should not prevent a party from responding, and Apple has confirmed it will not use other confidentiality provisions to block responses.