Keep today’s payment arrangements working, and build a short comparison checklist for any new services that actually launch.
THE SOURCED NEWS
What could change?
The proposals concern the near field communication technology, usually called NFC, that supports contactless services on iPhones. The CMA wants businesses to have a choice of the main international technical standards and access on commercially viable terms.
The regulator expects substantially lower access charges under its proposed principles, but is not proposing to set the price itself. Potential uses include rival digital wallets, account-to-account payments and loyalty services. The consultation closes on 17 November 2026; the CMA says it will decide after assessing responses.
SELLERBUNDLE PRACTICAL ANALYSIS
SellerBundle: a useful watchlist for taking payments
If you sell at markets, in a shop or alongside an online store, write down what your current payment setup costs. Include transaction charges, fixed monthly costs, equipment, settlement timing and the work needed to match payments to orders.
Use that list when comparing a service that becomes available. Ask what it supports, which customers can use it, how refunds work and how records reach your accounts. Check the provider’s actual terms and support arrangements rather than assuming a new wallet will automatically be cheaper for your business.
SELLERBUNDLE PRACTICAL ANALYSIS
Budget for what is available today
A lower technology-access charge is different from the price a seller ultimately pays. Any saving depends on the services that launch and their terms. Keep confirmed payment costs in your cash-flow plan and treat possible future savings as a separate scenario.
Before changing providers, test a small purchase, refund and reconciliation through the normal workflow. Keep a reliable way to take payments while you evaluate the result. Save the comparison and a review date in your notepad; the consultation deadline is a date to watch, not a switch-on date for a new checkout.
GO TO THE ORIGINAL
Check the sources.
CMA: iPhone contactless access proposals, pricing approach and consultation deadline ↗
Published 20 Oct 2026
CMA: Apple mobile-platform case; first published 23 January 2025, updated 20 October 2026 ↗
Published 23 Jan 2025
This is an original SellerBundle explanation with practical editorial suggestions. Check current official terms and suitability before changing your business processes.