Top 3 Key Points:
- Apple is opening the iPhone’s NFC chip to third-party apps globally with iOS 18.1.
- The new API supports payments, digital keys, transit cards, and more, offering developers new opportunities.
- The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to boost sales with design changes, camera upgrades, and the introduction of a slimmer model.
Apple recently announced that it’s opening up the iPhone’s NFC (Near-Field Communication) chip to third-party apps with iOS 18.1. This move, initially restricted to European developers under the Digital Markets Act, will soon be available worldwide. The new API is expected to provide developers with more control and versatility, especially in areas like payments and digital keys.
Understanding NFC on iPhones
NFC has been part of iPhones since 2014, starting with the iPhone 6. This technology allows devices to communicate wirelessly over short distances, primarily used for contactless payments. However, until now, Apple’s NFC capabilities were tightly controlled, mainly restricted to Apple Pay and a few select partnerships.
Over the years, Apple expanded NFC use within its Wallet app to include digital keys, transit cards, and employee badges, but third-party developers had limited access. In 2017, Apple introduced the Core NFC API, enabling apps to read NFC tags. However, developers were prohibited from using this for payments, limiting its broader application.
A New Era with the Tap-to-Pay API
In 2022, Apple made a significant change by introducing the Tap to Pay API, which allowed iPhones to function as payment terminals. This was a pivotal moment as it marked Apple’s first step in opening its NFC system to other payment platforms, albeit still under Apple’s approval process.
This year, Apple extended these capabilities to European developers, allowing them to use the NFC reader more freely under the EU’s Digital Markets Act. Now, with iOS 18.1, these changes are going global.
What Developers Can Do with the New NFC API
The new NFC & SE Platform API expands what developers can achieve with NFC on iPhones. Key applications include:
- Payments: Third-party apps can now process NFC payments without relying on Apple Pay.
- Digital Keys: Developers can create digital keys for homes, cars, and hotels.
- Transit Cards and IDs: Apps can handle transit payments and digital IDs, expanding beyond Apple’s Wallet.
- Loyalty Cards and Tickets: Support for loyalty programs and tickets is expected soon.
The API uses the iPhone’s Secure Enclave to ensure data privacy and security, and users can choose a default NFC app other than Apple Wallet. Initially, developers from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the UK, and the US can request access to this API, with Apple reviewing each request individually.
The Future of iPhone Sales: iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 17
As we look forward to the iPhone 16’s release, early predictions suggest minimal upgrades compared to the iPhone 15. These include slightly larger displays on the Pro models, a new camera layout for spatial videos, and minor internal improvements like the A18 chip and Wi-Fi 7.
However, analysts like Jeff Pu have high expectations for the iPhone 17 lineup in 2025. Significant upgrades are anticipated, such as a new design, a 24-megapixel front camera, and a 48-megapixel periscope lens for enhanced zoom capabilities. The iPhone 17 Pro models will also likely feature 12GB of RAM, promising better performance.
Moreover, the introduction of a new “Slim” or “Air” model could reinvigorate the market by offering a thinner design and filling the gap between the base model and the Pro models. This new model could attract consumers who previously might not have been interested in upgrading.
Conclusion
With iOS 18.1, Apple is making the iPhone’s NFC capabilities more accessible to developers worldwide, opening up a range of new possibilities for app innovation. Meanwhile, the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup is poised to reignite consumer interest with its significant upgrades and new models. As we wait for these developments, Apple continues to shape the future of mobile technology.
