UK CMA consults on ‘steering’ rules and NFC access: payments may become a product surface (GOV.UK)

The UK CMA is consulting on draft conduct requirements for Apple and Google, focused on two things that matter to app teams beyond the legal department: steering (link-out and comms about off-platform options) and access to NFC on iOS.

• Source: GOV.UK (CMA), “CMA consults on new requirements for Apple and Google’s mobile platforms”
• Read: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-consults-on-new-requirements-for-apple-and-googles-mobile-platforms

The one-line lesson

If steering becomes practical, payments becomes a UX and support problem, not just a fee problem. You will need to design link-out flows, explain them clearly, and measure them without breaking trust.

What the consultation implies (in plain English)

• Steering rules could loosen. Developers may be able to communicate off-platform payment options more freely.
• Fees for steering are part of the debate. The CMA frames “fair and reasonable” compensation, and expects steering fees to be lower than current app store charges.
• NFC access could open up. The CMA discusses enabling UK developers, especially fintech, to support contactless transactions from within their own iOS apps, and asks for views on the technical method and pricing.

Tiny win (45 minutes)

Draft a UK-only scenario plan with three bullets each:

1. UX: what the link-out screen says, and where it sits in the funnel
2. Support: what happens when a user pays elsewhere and asks for a refund
3. Measurement: what your “success” event is, if the transaction completes off-platform

When policy shifts land quickly, the teams that already have a plan ship with less panic.