Apple still makes it too hard for Apple Pay competitors to emerge, says UK

9to5mac.com Oct 20, 2026

Apple still makes it too hard for Apple Pay competitors to emerge, says UK

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 20, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) says Apple continues to block third‑party developers from creating alternatives to Apple Pay, despite recent concessions on NFC‑chip access. While the EU now permits developers to request entitlement to the chip without fees, the CMA reports that Apple still imposes high fees, strict terms and technical limits in Britain. Those conditions, the regulator argues, make it impractical for rivals to build competing wallet apps. Apple has rejected the CMA’s proposal to further loosen its grip, warning that lower‑privacy and security standards would harm users, but pledged to keep “constructive” dialogue. The CMA has opened a public consultation on its plan to force Apple to relax the restrictions.

💡 Why It Matters

· Without genuine access to the NFC chip, UK consumers remain locked into Apple’s ecosystem, limiting choice and stifling innovation in mobile payments.

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iPhone Duo orders limited to two per customer as Apple tackles scalping

Apple has capped iPhone Duo purchases to two units per customer in the United States, United Kingdom, and other markets after the device’s launch dates slipped to January. The restriction applies to all configurations and is enforced across Apple’s online stores. The move follows a surge of scalpers listing Duos on eBay for prices above $5,000 and mirrors past limits Apple imposed on earlier iPhone models. The company may also employ additional detection methods to curb bulk buying.

💡 By limiting orders, Apple directly addresses the resale market that inflates prices and frustrates ordinary buyers, potentially stabilizing retail availability and consumer trust.

appleinsider.com · Oct 21

EU iPhone NFC concessions don’t go far enough, says UK

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a consultation demanding lower fees, fewer conditions, and technical easing for third‑party developers accessing Apple’s NFC chip, arguing that current EU‑style restrictions hinder innovation. The CMA cites the lack of UK alternatives to Apple Wallet and the presence of five European rivals, including Norway’s Vipps, as evidence that Apple’s terms stifle competition. Apple disputes the CMA’s stance, citing privacy and security concerns, and maintains it will continue negotiations. The consultation closes on 17 Nov 2026, with a decision to follow.

💡 By challenging Apple’s NFC terms, the UK seeks to level the playing field for domestic fintech, potentially spurring a new wave of payment and identity apps that could reshape the country’s digital economy.

appleinsider.com · Oct 21

How new cross-site tracking blocks in Safari protect a user’s identity

Apple’s iOS 27, macOS 27, iPadOS 27, and visionOS 27 introduce cross‑site tracking blocks that prevent third‑party identity‑resolution firms from receiving users’ email addresses. By blocking network requests to these firms at the domain level, Safari stops the creation of cross‑site identity graphs that compile advertising profiles. The update follows six years of cookie blocking and complements App Tracking Transparency, aiming to keep personally identifiable information from being aggregated across sites. Apple’s approach targets invisible tracking elements rather than first‑party authentication.

💡 By cutting off the data flow that fuels cross‑site profiling, Apple limits advertisers’ ability to stitch together user behavior, strengthening privacy without disrupting legitimate first‑party services. This shift could pressure the digital advertising ecosystem to rethink how it collects and uses personal data.

9to5mac.com · Oct 21

Apple is looking for a cellular modem engineer to help shape its…

Apple posted a job listing for a “6G Cellular Modem Systems Engineer,” offering a base salary of $175,000‑$308,500 plus stock and benefits. The role calls for a senior engineer with at least a decade of experience in cellular technologies, expertise in 3GPP standards, and proficiency in MATLAB, C/C++ or Python. Candidates must also demonstrate familiarity with generative‑AI and large‑language‑model tools to streamline engineering workflows. Responsibilities include defining features for next‑generation modems, designing performance‑ and power‑optimizing algorithms, and collaborating with hardware and software teams to bring the technology to market. Apple frames the position as a chance to shape wireless communication as the company moves from 5G toward 6G, whose first specifications are slated for late‑2028 and commercial rollout around 2030.

💡 Apple’s recruitment signals its intent to be a front‑runner in 6G development, leveraging AI‑driven design to accelerate a technology that could redefine mobile performance and power efficiency.

appleinsider.com · Oct 21

iPhone camera and titanium chassis manufacturing expands in US

Apple announced expanded partnerships with U.S. suppliers to produce titanium enclosures for the upcoming iPhone Duo and variable‑aperture camera modules for the iPhone 18 Pro. The company will work with Pennsylvania‑based Perryman Company, committing up to $100 million over three years to melt, forge and roll titanium that contains at least 80 % recycled material. It also extended its deal with Delaware’s Qnity Electronics, tasking the firm with components for the new camera system. Apple’s American Manufacturing Program now includes suppliers in all 50 states and claims to support more than 450,000 U.S. jobs. The moves follow Apple’s broader $600 billion investment plan, begun in 2025, to shift iPhone component production domestically, including glass, chips and packaging. The titanium will also serve future Apple devices.

💡 Securing a domestic, recycled‑titanium supply chain reduces Apple’s exposure to geopolitical disruptions while reinforcing its sustainability narrative.

9to5mac.com · Oct 20

9to5Mac Daily: October 20, 2026 – Apple announces ‘Pro and tell’ experience

Apple announced a special event slated for October 28, titled “Pro and tell,” during a 9to5Mac Daily recap. The event will showcase upcoming major products, following a lineup that includes new iPhone Duo availability adjustments, a two‑per‑customer limit to curb scalping, iOS 27.2’s HomePod setting fix, and a new Sound Glow feature. The announcement came amid broader product launches scheduled for the following week, positioning Apple to highlight its latest hardware and software innovations.

💡 The event signals Apple’s focus on professional‑grade devices and ecosystem integration, offering consumers early insight into next‑generation hardware that could reshape workflow and creative workflows.