NFC-Based Mobile Payments Said to Be a 'Hallmark' Feature of iPhone 6

[MacRumors]

Apple's next iPhone may indeed include a mobile payment platform, claims WIRED in a report released Thursday. Wired's sources didn't not reveal how the system would work, but the publication was told that near field communications (NFC) technology will be part of the system.

The company's next iPhone will feature its own payment platform, sources familiar with the matter told WIRED. In fact, that platform will be one of the hallmark features of the device when it's unveiled on September 9. We're told the solution will involve NFC.

Rumors of NFC support in the iPhone have been an annual occurrence over the past several years, but things may finally be coming together for Apple with NFC and its rumored mobile payments initiative. Additional evidence for NFC was spotted in schematics leaked by GeekBar, which suggest Apple may be using a version of the PN65 NFC package from NXP, which measures 5 mm x 5 mm and has 32 terminals for connectivity. A comparison of this component with alleged iPhone 6 logic boards published recently by Nowherelse.fr reveal an unused spot on the board that could accommodate this NFC chip.

A growing body of evidence suggests Apple is working on a mobile payments solution with NFC as an important component. NFC has been mentioned along with Bluetooth LE in patent applications that describe possible mobile payment solutions. Analysts from Morgan Stanley and Brightwire, as well as high-profile KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo all believe Apple will be adopting NFC as a core technology for the iPhone 6.

Apple is rumored to be working on an upcoming mobile payment solution that leverages the credit card data stored in millions of iTunes accounts. Apple is said to be working with credit card companies such as Visa about a possible partnership that would allow it to bypass third-party payment processors. Apple CEO Tim Cook also alluded to mobile payments earlier this year, noting that mobile payments were "one of the thoughts" behind Touch ID.

Update 10:17 AM: Re/code's John Paczkowski says he has "been hearing the same" about the iPhone 6 coming equipped with NFC technology needed for a mobile payments solution.

Article Link: NFC-Based Mobile Payments Said to Be a 'Hallmark' Feature of iPhone 6

 

[boshii]

Makes sense. September 9th can't come soon enough!

 

[Menel]

Might be cheaper for VISA than billions of emv chip cards.

 

[StuddedLeather]

Just sitting here. Waiting to throw my money at Apple.

 

[Milese3]

Honestly, NFC doesn't bother me. Maybe the iPhone 6 can change that.

Time will tell.

 

[Z400Racer37]

Even if they get it working, we'll undoubtedly still have to pay the 1-3% processing fees for transactions. Bitcoin. Done.

 

[73b]

Finally. Although I won't use NFC very much, I prefer AirDrop over Samsung's touch-the-backs thing. And I don't have a credit card.

 

[Crosscreek]

I could take it or leave it. Not important for me.

 

[Northgrove]

So, a few technologies converging and... payment with a single fingerprint? After you've seen your receipt automatically appear in an app by the cashier? I think I can get behind that.

 

[keeponkeepingon]

Mmmmmm...just another branch to the tree...I always thought they would never do this after what phil said...but things change

 

[roadbloc]

Pretty late hallmark. I can already do this with my BlackBerry.

 

[GuitarDTO]

If this can somehow prevent me from having to use my debit card and constantly having my bank account info compromised, I'm friggin looking forward to it! I'm assuming this is more secure considering it will utilize the finger print sensor to authenticate purchases.

Of course, when entire bank accounts are being hacked I suppose it doesn't really matter.

 

[AdonisSMU]

Great! I can eliminate the need for a debit card. If I can carry one less thing in my pocket, I'll be happy.

 

[luckydcxx]

Honestly, NFC doesn't bother me. Maybe the iPhone 6 can change that.

Time will tell.

I see what you did there ... i think the iWatch will also be able to make mobile payments

 

[psycosis]

The iTunes account part does not sit well with me. The card number on a magstripe or RFID portion of a credit card has data that is not written on the card anywhere. This data is nowhere in iTunes. This would force stores to either implement a new payment method (won't use using contactless) or force the stores to use a higher interchange rate. Neither solution is optimal to me.

 

[1Zach1]

That'll be disappointing.

 

[luckydcxx]

Pretty late hallmark. I can already do this with my BlackBerry.

Oh really, tell me how many payments you made with your blackberry. Im sure you use it all the time.

 

[MacFather]

Deleted.

 

[psycosis]

Pretty late hallmark. I can already do this with my BlackBerry.

I am assuming you are outside the US.

 

[l00pback]

Pretty late hallmark. I can already do this with my BlackBerry.

Is your BlackBerry secured with your fingerprint?

 

[jrswizzle]

Great, I can trade not using the NFC on my Nexus 5 for not using it on an iPhone.....

Maybe with Apple on-board, NFC mobile payments will take off here in the US.

 

[thewebb]

If Apple does do nfc payments, then in about 2-3 years most retailers in the US will have this option at checkout

 

[maflynn]

A little late to the party but then to be honest, I've never seen anyone use NFC to pay for anything here in the US. I wonder how prevalent it really is.

 

[psycosis]

If Apple does do nfc payments, then in about 2-3 years most retailers in the US will have this option at checkout

Oct 2015, when retailers go EMV, they will also most likely support NFC regardless of Apple.

 

[bluespark]

Pretty late hallmark. I can already do this with my BlackBerry.

How do you know?