Skip to main content

Apple limiting developer access to NFC initially, as it did with Touch ID

nfc

It’s been reported that Apple will not make access to the NFC chip in the iPhone 6 generally available to developers in the first year. A new report says that an Apple spokesperson has confirmed that the chip is for use with Apple Pay only. But that’s likely only temporary…

During the launch of the iPhone 6, Apple specifically referenced using NFC to unlock hotel doors at Starwood resorts – expected to be seen in the spring – suggesting only that Apple will initially be selective in granting access to the chip.

This doesn’t mean other developers won’t be able to access the chip in future. Touch ID was initially limited to unlocking the phone and authorizing iTunes purchases before later allowing third-party app developers like Mint to use the facility.

Apple recently joined the non-profit NFC working group GlobatPlatform which seeks to agree standards across the payment industry, and it’s been suggested that Apple’s support for NFC payment may lead to the end of physical bank cards within 2-3 years.

The NFC chip inside the iPhone 6 will be used to transmit a one-time code to authorize payments, which need to be confirmed by fingerprint on the Touch ID sensor. The NFC chip in the Apple Watch will allow payment via older phones; in that case, the watch must be authorized once per day and will remain valid for payment for so long as it stays in contact with your wrist.

via CultofMac

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

  1. Built Frenchié - 10 years ago

    My agree 100 percent that plastic cards will soon disappear in 2-3 years for the younger generation. The older, I don’t think so. Why? Picture them saying the following: “they looking at us… they controlling our money… I don’t like this one bit… I will stick with my flip phone.” Get them to change their minds, then all cards is officially dead.

    • Built Frenchié - 10 years ago

      I agree 100 percent that plastic cards will soon disappear in 2-3 years for the younger generation. For the older generation, I don’t think so. Why? Picture them saying the following: “they are looking at us… they are controlling our money… I don’t like this one bit… I will stick with my flip phone.” Get them to change their minds, then all cards is officially dead.

    • Christopher Armenia - 10 years ago

      I agree. They’re still writing checks at the supermarket. As easy as ApplePay will be to use, there will still be the ones that aren’t receptive to “new fangled computers.”

      • Built Frenchié - 10 years ago

        LOL. “Madame would like to use Apple Pay for your purchase. Don’t have time to do produce aisle. Let me find my checkbook and government state id

      • markpetereit - 10 years ago

        I really wish all supermarkets would dedicate one checkout lane to antediluvian payment types like checks and whatever those paper “vouchers” are that always seem to require two signatures and a three calls to the supervisor.

        And they should require all those people who use coupons or dicker about prices to use that aisle.

  2. The day NFC Developer APIs are available, the day I will then start to consider whether or not to upgrade from my iPhone 5S. This will definitely be the same scenario as Touch ID, I personally believe.
    Why have one component in a device that can only be used for one application/purpose?

    • Patman (@smokedogg83) - 10 years ago

      For testing… We are all beta testers here. ;-)

      • Yes you are right Patman. But what I was specifically trying to refer to, was being restricted in the long term (2+ years). That’s is why I honestly believe it will come in iOS 9.

  3. Plastic cards might be eradicated in USA but in the other countries they continue to survive.!

  4. The problem with cards disappearing is, that means you must have a mobile, cards may well be used less, but now consider you need to change phones due to work alliances etc, so you go from an iPhone to a Samsung, as an example, and you don’t have cards because you had an iPhone for the last 4 years, now you need to order cards for every account…? This makes no sense, cards will exist but the usage will decline i agree…

  5. Alex (@lexplex_) - 10 years ago

    Meanwhile, over in Android land, the NFC chips that we’ve had in our phones for years are fully open and already being used for all of this. Or you can buy a programmable NFC chip in a sticker and set it to do whatever you want.

    • Edison Wrzosek - 10 years ago

      Meanwhile, over in Fandroid delusional land, they have systems that in reality almost no one uses because Google’s implementation is so poorly thought out, and security was a passing thought compared to Apple Pay. Also, how are all those malware apps and viruses doing? Yeah, thought so. Go back to 9to5Google, they miss you over there, and we don’t want you here.

      • Regbs Regbs - 9 years ago

        Google’s security on analysis is superior to Apple’s. Apple’s iCloud photo leaks are just what the press has publicized. The mythical Android malware and viruses that behind-on-technology fanboys kid themselves about are identified, engaged, then patched. In contrast, Apple security attacks like WireLurker are denied by Apple, with no community in place to address them. Eugene Kaspersky pointed out in the WSJ that Apple has its head in the sand, almost as much as its fleeced overcharged customers paying 100% more for 4 year old technology. Unlike the dynamic security community for MS and Android, closed garden Apple has no infrastructure in place to handle a breach.

        Google Wallet’s adoption has nothing to do with poor implementation. Carriers like Verizon simply block it, requiring unlocking and rooting. Enabled Google Wallet works anywhere wireless card units work. Happy to compare that number with the dearth of Apple Pay enabled retailers.

        For fan boys, cut and paste was dumb until Apple did it 2 years later.
        Folders were dumb until Apple copied them.
        Ditto nfc, customizable keyboards, multi-tasking, screens bigger than 2″.

        apple = (Android – 4 years)

Author

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


Ben Lovejoy's favorite gear