Australia's Commonwealth Bank is lobbying the government to force Apple into better terms for third-party access to iPhone NFC. After Apple opened its contactless payment system to local banks in 2024, following EU pressure, the CBA now wants the Reserve Bank of Australia to intervene, calling current rates unreasonable.

The dispute centers on transaction fees. Apple historically charged Australian banks 4-6 cents per $100 transaction for Apple Pay. Now that banks can use the same NFC for their own apps, they must still pay Apple for access, with unpublished rates. The CBA argues these fees stifle competition and retain too much revenue for Apple.

The issue is before a parliamentary committee, which will hold a public hearing in late February. Apple representatives are expected to attend. This hearing will examine whether the current payment system is "fair and accessible," testing the limits of the RBA's new powers over digital wallets and Apple's global NFC policy.