Apple has announced that it will open up the iPhone's NFC chip to developers and allow them to to offer NFC contactless transactions using the Secure Element from within their own apps on iPhone.
What is NFC in iPhone?
NFC, known as Near Field Communication, is an emerging technology. Devices that use NFC technology (such as mobile phones) can exchange data in close proximity to each other. NFC makes it easy to realize the use of mobile payments, e-ticketing, access control, and mobile identification, etc.
As early as 2014, Apple added NFC feature to the iPhone 6 series. But until today, Apple still has not fully opened NFC, which can only be used through Apple Pay. For example, users can not add home keys, car keys and other features by themselves, only with Apple cooperation brands can add, so that some iPhone users iPhone users are envious of Android users who can use the rich features of NFC.
Apple NFC feature
Initially, Apple opened up NFC access for third-party payment apps in the EU due to EU DMA requirements. But this change did not involve other countries and regions. And this time, Apple not only liberalized the NFC transaction authority, but also expanded its application scenarios.
According to Apple, with the new NFC and SE (Secure Element) APIs, developers will be able to implement contactless data exchange within apps. This feature can be applied to multiple areas, including in-store payments, car keys, closed-loop transit, corporate badges, student IDs, home keys, hotel keys, merchant loyalty and rewards cards, and event tickets, as well as government IDs in the future.
With Apple opening up NFC, the iPhone's NFC function is no longer limited to Apple Pay payment, but covers more aspects of daily life. In the future, iPhone users will be able to use their cell phones to realize more convenient functions such as car keys, community access control, and smart door locks, just like Android users.
Restrictions and rules
However, it is important to note that there are currently three limitations to this new feature:
1. Available iOS System
First of all, the new iPhone NFC feature will be added in iOS 18.1 and subsequent versions. Therefore, your iPhone must be upgraded to the new iOS 18.1 system at least. iOS 18.1 is expected to be released in October this year.
2. Available Models
Secondly, due to the requirements for the iOS version, only the iPhone XS and subsequent models will be able to use this new feature, despite the fact that the NFC chip has been around since the iPhone 6 series, but the older models are unable to support the latest iOS version.
3. Available Countries
The third limitation relates to region. The NFC and SE Secure Element APIs are initially available to developers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Apple says it will support more regions in the future. It's worth noting that the first regions to go live do not include the European Union, which is intriguing.
Is there a charge for NFC?
According to Apple's official announcement, in order to incorporate this new solution in iPhone apps, developers need to sign a commercial agreement with Apple, apply for NFC and SE authorization, and pay the relevant fees, the specific charges are not yet announced by Apple.
iOS 18.1 release date
The new API will be introduced in iOS 18.1, an update that Apple is currently testing. iOS 18.1 will likely be released a few weeks after iOS 18, and we expect to see it sometime in October.
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