The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has initiated a consultation on new conduct requirements for Apple and Google, focusing on their mobile platforms. A key proposal aims to remove restrictions that prevent UK app developers from 'steering' their customers to off-platform payment options. Currently, Apple bans this practice, while Google restricts it, and the CMA believes lifting these constraints would allow developers to bypass mandatory platform fees, potentially leading to lower costs for UK customers or increased investment in developers' businesses. The CMA expects any fees charged by Apple and Google for such steering to be significantly lower than current app store charges, justified through an evidence-based framework that considers both cost and value.
In addition to steering, the CMA is addressing concerns regarding Apple's restrictions on Near Field Communication (NFC) functionality. Businesses have complained that Apple's high fees and strict terms block access to this technology, which is crucial for contactless transactions through digital wallets. The CMA is designing a requirement to allow developers access to NFC, which would enable UK fintechs and developers to support various payment methods, including account-to-account, digital currency, and stablecoin, as well as non-financial uses like digital ID and car keys. This move is expected to foster innovation and competition in the mobile ecosystem by offering more choices to both app developers and users.
The CMA's initiative follows Google's recent announcement of new global terms and conditions for its Play Store, effective June 30, 2026. These changes include allowing developers to steer users outside the Play Store for transactions, albeit with certain restrictions, and modifications to its fee structure. The CMA plans to assess the impact of Google's changes during the next phase of its work on mobile platforms. The consultation on steering conduct requirements closes on July 28, 2026, with a decision on imposing new requirements expected later in the year, under the framework of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act.
