Top 3 Key Points:
- Apple expands NFC access: iOS 18.1 will allow third-party apps like Samsung Pay and Google Wallet to use NFC for payments on iPhones.
- EU pressure leads to change: Apple’s decision comes after regulatory pressure from the European Union to open up its ecosystem.
- Global developer access: Developers in key countries will soon be able to integrate NFC features into their apps with iOS 18.1.
Apple is set to expand its NFC capabilities with the upcoming iOS 18.1 update, allowing popular payment apps like Samsung Pay and Google Wallet to function on iPhones.
In a significant shift, Apple has announced that developers will now have the ability to integrate NFC contactless transactions into their apps using the iPhone’s Secure Element. This change, set to roll out with iOS 18.1, marks the first time that payment apps other than Apple Pay will be able to process transactions on iPhones.
The move comes after pressure from the European Union, which has been pushing Apple to allow more openness within its ecosystem. As a result, apps like Samsung Pay and Google Wallet may soon be available on the Apple App Store, potentially as early as the fourth quarter of this year.
Starting with iOS 18.1, third-party developers will be able to create apps that use NFC for various functions, including payments, car keys, and student IDs. This is a departure from Apple’s previous policy, where only Apple Pay was allowed to utilize the iPhone’s NFC capabilities.
Apple has confirmed that developers who meet specific security requirements and adhere to the company’s ongoing security and privacy standards will be granted access to the necessary APIs. These APIs will be made available to developers in several key markets, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Japan, Australia, Brazil, and New Zealand, as part of a developer seed for iOS 18.1.
This change represents a significant shift in Apple’s approach to third-party app development and may pave the way for more diverse and competitive payment options on iPhones moving forward.
