Bloomberg is reporting that Apple is adding Near Field Communication to the next-generation iPhone and iPad. This NFC functionality would allow users to make purchases with a wave of their device over NFC enabled credit card readers.
Here’s an excerpt:
The services are based on “Near-Field Communication,” a technology that can beam and receive information at a distance of up to 4 inches, due to be embedded in the next iteration of the iPhone for AT&T Inc. and the iPad 2, Doherty said. Both products are likely to be introduced this year, he said, citing engineers who are working on hardware for the Apple project.
Apple has also reportedly created prototype payment terminals that could be used by small businesses, and used to read NFC-enabled iOS devices. There terminals might be subsidized or given away by Apple to spur adoption.
If I had to guess, Apple will build this in sooner or later. I don’t know if it will be this generation. However, I find it hard to believe that Apple will be rolling out their own terminals to be used with the technology. I”m guessing, if this does come to market anytime soon, Apple will make them work with existing terminals.
Yes, Apple jumps on burgeoning technology, but I think this one might still need a few more minutes in the over, even for Apple to adopt. I could very well be wrong however.
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