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iPad 2, iPhone 5 could use NFC for mobile payments

by Kelly Hodgkins Jan 25th 2011 at 11:00AM

A report from Bloomberg suggests Apple will integrate Near Field Communication technology into the iPhone 5 for AT&T and the iPad 2. The technology would let you make purchases wirelessly by waving your iOS device over an NFC-enabled register. The payment-processing system would tie into your iTunes account, which stores your personal and credit card information.

Earlier rumors pointed to NFC-enabled iPhones that would function as an electronic wallet or a security passkey. This previous rumor also hinted that Apple's lineup of Mac computers would incorporate NFC technology in a two-way system that would let your iPhone communicate with your Mac.

NFC technology is expected to grow in the upcoming years here in the US. Recently, Samsung and Google introduced the Nexus S, the first NFC-enabled handset powered by Android. Google is also piloting a Hotpot program in Portland, Oregon that lets businesses place an NFC-enabled display in their windows. This specialized signage will send store and promotional information to NFC-capable handsets.

Though Apple has not detailed its plans for near field communication, a recent patent application suggests Apple is exploring the idea of an electronic ticketing system using NFC.

[Via 9to5Mac]

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A report from Bloomberg suggests Apple will integrate Near Field Communication technology into the iPhone 5 for AT&T and the iPad 2....
 

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Mr Nguyen

iPhone 5 rivals appear in China
Read more here Here

April 18 2011 at 12:51 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ben1985

Ipad 2, Iphone 5, .... You buy one, the day after there is a new one..... :-|

Diseño Web Barcelona

January 26 2011 at 6:16 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ihedgar

Interesting take on this over at TechCrunch:

"If Apple can nail Near-Field Communication (NFC) and tie it directly into their already-established iTunes payment system. It could change everything. It could transform Apple from the biggest technology company in the world, to the biggest company in the world, period. By far."

January 25 2011 at 10:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
pancakesandbeer

We've had this in Japan for ages. Like flying cars and Mr. Fusion. It's extremely useful, especially as a train pass. We can wave our phones at the station gate to automatically deduct the fare. When we run out of prepaid credit, we can upload it via a website. Or just use a stored credit card with NFC.

I know it would be ripe for abuse in the US though.

January 25 2011 at 1:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to pancakesandbeer's comment
StarrWulfe

I also live in Japan, and have used the mobile wallet function in phones here.

As an American, I understand the security concerns... But remember, it's far more easier to just steal your wallet and take your credit card, and burn through all your credit/debit faster than you can realize its gone, or better yet-- take the numbers and make smaller charges that you dont realize until its too late.

NFC is far more secure, and requires the phone to be less than 4cm from the reader... The phone can be OFF and the NFC function will still operate, as the IC chip gets its power inductively... and if you PIN lock both the phone itself and the NFC app in the phone, you're double secure.

This is how the mobile wallet apps work here in Japan. If my phone goes missing, then I can either log on via a website or head to the phone co. shop and they'll remote wipe it. When I change phones, its easy to move the app settings to that phone--even if its a different carrier.

and dont worry about the security... RSA 128 bit protected.

January 25 2011 at 10:03 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
punkassjim

I really don't see NFC taking off in anything but the signage and promotional stuff you mentioned. And since that pretty much means only well-funded promotions, it also means I'm never, ever going to wave my phone at a poster. That's just asking for spam and habit-tracking.

January 25 2011 at 11:49 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to punkassjim's comment
Josh

my thoughts exactly

January 25 2011 at 12:34 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Bob

Great -- yet another reason why people will be robbed of their iPhone or iPad. Now not only is it a cool device that can be quickly sold on the black market, but it has access to your line of credit.

Maybe they should use the Near Field Communication to allow the thief to steal my car as well -- maybe even open the door to my house.

January 25 2011 at 11:30 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Bob's comment
John Kirk

An ill-informed, knee- jerk reaction Bob. Companies are actually looking to NFC because it is more secure and would reduce the number of thefts which can currently occur from the theft of credit cards or credit card numbers. Look into it a bit more before you judge it.

January 25 2011 at 1:34 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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