UK Antitrust Regulator Wants Apple To Open Up iPhone NFC Access

'Not a single firm has launched a wallet-type product to compete with Apple.'

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The UK is taking aim at Apple's near-monopoly on contactless NFC (Near-Field Communication) smartphone payments, according to a new proposal from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Noting that "Apple's fees and rules are blocking UK fintechs and other businesses from innovating and growing," the regulator says it wants "substantially lower" charges and Apple to open up its closed standards.

The CMA outlined its…