Topic: Hardware

Next generation iPhone, iPad expected to get built-in NFC

Summary: There are many, many rumors floating around about the iPad 2, and now it's underway for the iPhone 5. Now it seems that the next generation models of both of these iOS devices will get built-in NFC capabilities.

By Rachel King for The ToyBox | January 25, 2011 -- 07:37 GMT (23:37 PST)

Follow @rachelking

There are many, many rumors floating around about the iPad 2, and now it's underway for the iPhone 5. Now it seems that the next generation models of both of these iOS devices will get built-in NFC capabilities.

According to Bloomberg, Richard Doherty, director of Envisioneering Group, based his information from "engineers who are working on hardware for the Apple project." Near-field communication services would be introduced on to the iPad 2 and AT&T's iPhone 5 so that consumers can use their gadgets to make purchases. (It isn't explained why Verizon's next iPhone would be left out.)

Basically, Apple would integrate this functionality with iTunes, using your gift card and credit card information from that portal for payments at other stores. If this is the real deal, then Apple would be cutting costs by how much it pays for credit card processing fees and try to lure customers away from using payment services like PayPal with promos like loyalty programs.

While it hasn't been confirmed by Apple, it does seem like a possibility. Apple does like to streamline things, especially using iTunes. Would you be interested in using an iPhone or iPad to make everyday contactless payments?

Topics: Hardware, iPhone, iPad, Mobility, Smartphones

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5 comments

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That is the holy grail of ultraportable computing devices

Instead of walking around with a wallet full of gift cards, credit cards, points cards etc.

MG537-23482538203179240121698430309828
25 January, 2011 09:33

Reply Vote
- It's the Holy Grail alright
  
  @MG537 The Holy Grail for financial fraud - NFC based payments has the potential to create the kind of fraud they're seeing in Europe with all those RFID equipped credit cards - crooks are electronically snooping and stealing the info without having to even touch your wallet or purse
  
  I don't want to carry anything capable of broadcasting snoopable info like that - the monetary gains are too large to think it won't attract a network of Russian hackers or the like to it
  
  archangel9999
  26 January, 2011 16:29
  
  Reply Vote
RE: Next generation iPhone, iPad expected to get built-in NFC

Of course. I'd love it if Steve Jobs knew about everything I purchased.

And I'd feel more comfortable if all of the world's hackers would singly focus on cracking a single piece of software, iTunes.

After your slaughter, may I have your wool, little sheep?

man_strosity
25 January, 2011 10:12

Reply Vote
RE: Next generation iPhone, iPad expected to get built-in NFC

Jeebus. Why don't we just go straight to the Multi-Pass and cut out all the sleazy corporate middlemen?

Oh wait... I just answered my own question.

mnem
Google yourself. Go ahead... I KNOW you want to.

mnemennth
23 February, 2011 07:32

Reply Vote
Hmm, really pushing it

Think I'll stick with my paypass Visa card. Having all my credit cards (pss, only got/need one ;) ), contacts, and media in one place is really pushing the Danger button. With cyber criminals/hacker out there knowing about this from different adverts, we could end up deriving this:

one iPhone stolen = one innocent life exchanged with a criminal's life

But sure, go for it Apple, make the next iPhone a bigger deal to today's (and tomorrow's) criminals just like you have done with the <a href="http://www.zdnet.com/blog/bott/an-applecare-support-rep-talks-mac-malware-is-getting-worse/3342?pg=1">Mac</a> :p

MrElectrifyer
24 May, 2011 01:36

Reply Vote