Apple expected to add NFC support for iOS e-wallet transactions in 2012
Smartphone makers out of Taiwan told DigiTimes on Tuesday that Apple currently plans to add NFC support to iOS in 2012, likely with the next iPhone model. That would help penetration of NFC expand from what is currently less than 10 percent of smartphones sold to more than 50 percent in the next two to three years.
Microsoft, too, is said to be planning NFC-enabled smartphones for launch in 2012 with its Windows Phone platform. The additional support would allow its partners to build hardware with NFC chips to take advantage of the software support.
NFC chips have been appearing in some smartphones throughout 2011, with hardware makers Samsung, HTC, Nokia and Research in Motion all building handsets with support. But sources reportedly said that "unsmooth development of NFC" is largely because of a lack of standard specification, ecosystem and commercial operation.
Google has attempted to overcome those hurdles with Google Wallet, its own mobile payment application for NFC-equipped Android smartphones. The service uses virtual cards, such as a Google Prepaid Card, to allow users to "tap to pay."
In an attempt to further address the lack of NFC standardization, the GSM Association has been pushing a SIM-based NFC protocol that has gained support from 45 carriers around the world, including AT&T and Verizon, the two largest wireless providers in the U.S.
"This affords a clear direction for handset vendors and developers of applications to move toward applications of NFC functions," the report said.
Claims of an NFC-enabled iPhone have persisted for years as the short-range wireless technology has begun to appear on the market. But those rumors gained some credibility this September when The New York Times reported that Apple plans to build a future iPhone with NFC chips from Qualcomm for mobile payment functionality.
Apple's interest in NFC technology has been well documented through the company's patent filings, with proposed inventions related to e-wallet and tag reader functionality. Another patent application proposed using passive radio-frequency identification to transmit information about hardware failures.
Beyond patents, evidence of Apple's interest in NFC technology has come in the form of job listings and even public comments from mobile executives. Reports of iPhone prototypes with RFID functionality date back to 2009.
37 Comments
I think Apple will use Bluetooth 4.0 to kill NFC.
I think Apple will use Bluetooth 4.0 to kill NFC.
that would be unfortunate.
then again, wouldn't every phone support BT 4.0 soon?
that would be unfortunate.
Why do you think so? Wouldn't it be better to have this functionality based on a relatively free and open standard like Bluetooth rather than a closed, proprietary standard like NFC?
1) If Apple doesn't support NFC in 2012 we'll get another article they'll support it in 2013. At any rate, I think it's safe to say that we shouldn't expect it until the next 6th gen. iPhone, not with the 3rd gen. iPad.
2) iTS has been quite successful and seemingly secure over the years. I wonder if Apple will leverage these 400(?) million account holders with CCs on file to pass transactions. Besides serving as a way to data mine where and when customers spend their money they might be able to snake a small percentage off the top for themselves. With some US banks wanting to charge per usage fees for every debit transaction Apple could once again find themselves in a position to profit from an overreaching industry.
I think Apple will use Bluetooth 4.0 to kill NFC.
NFC and BT aren't competitors. NFC has unique capabilities that make it secure for use for transaction. Even though you can encrypt a signal over BT you really don't want your account info being sent out 50 meters.
Good! It will quickly become the most used feature on the iPhone...may even surpass the number of phone calls.
I was just thinking last night what are my most used apps....calls, texts, checking email, online banking, camera, listening to podcasts, notes, tom-tom gps and redalaser...
Best