Britain's Competition and Markets Authority has proposed new rules that would force Apple to permit developers to link to third-party payment options for apps and subscriptions. The draft regulations aim to prevent the iPhone maker from using deterrent screens or excessive fees that would undermine any benefit to developers. This follows similar mandates in the EU and US, where Apple has attempted workarounds.

The CMA specifically targets Apple's previous compliance tactics, including the "irritating and scary" warning screens used in Europe and attempts to charge commissions on external purchases in the US. Officials want any fees charged for payment steering to be lower than current app store commissions, with savings passed to consumers or reinvested in innovation. Google has already signaled willingness to comply.

A second proposal would force Apple to open access to its NFC chip technology, allowing third-party wallet apps to compete with Apple Pay. Currently, banks and financial institutions cannot use the embedded NFC hardware for contactless payments. This could enable UK fintech companies to build alternatives including account-to-account payments and digital currencies.

Apple opposes both measures, arguing that directing users away from its payment infrastructure removes protections they rely on. The company plans to continue making its concerns clear to regulators. These proposals represent growing international pressure on Apple's App Store dominance, with the UK learning from previous compliance failures in other markets.