The Competition and Markets Authority said UK developers should be able to direct users to off-platform payments, while also weighing broader access to Apple’s NFC technology for in-app contactless services.
Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority (UK antitrust regulator) has proposed letting app developers in the country steer users to payment options outside Apple and Google app stores, a move aimed at lowering fees and increasing competition. The regulator said current rules stop UK developers from directing users to off-platform payment methods, which Apple bans and Google restricts. It added that any fees charged for permitting such steering should be fair and reasonable, lower than existing app store commissions, and used in ways that benefit consumers or support innovation. The CMA is also considering requiring Apple to open access to its near-field communication technology, or NFC (short-range wireless payment tech), which could let developers offer contactless payment services inside their own iOS apps. Google said it had already made the changes under discussion, citing new Play Store terms introduced earlier this month that allow developers to steer users to complete transactions outside the platform, albeit with some restrictions, along with fee changes. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.