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

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?