I had mentioned this last month, but now it’s confirmed (sort of). New York Times is reporting that Apple is indeed working on NFC technology to be a part of the next generation iPhone.
According to two people with knowledge of the inner workings of a coming iteration of the Apple iPhone — although not necessarily the next one — a chip made by Qualcomm for the phone’s processor will also include near-field communication technology, known as N.F.C. This technology enables short-range wireless communications between the phone and an N.F.C reader, and can be used to make mobile payments. It is unclear which version of an iPhone this technology would be built into.
What does this mean?
NFC is short for Near Field Communications or in other words; A chip that would be placed inside the new iPhone that would allow users to make secure payments/purchases by simply holding your phone close to a receiving unit/terminal.
Think about Visa and Debit transactions at retailers without having to carry any cards in your wallet. Just pull out your phone, launch the app, confirm your pin and swipe through the air to send payment. That’s it. Quick, convenient and secure.
I’m already looking forward to retiring my wallet.
Photo courtesy of Cult of Mac.
MacAddiction 