Everyone is waiting for iOS 18, which is expected to be launched in mid-September, but we are waiting for iOS 18.1 and the reason is the many features that will come with this update, such as Apple’s intelligence features. Apple also announced the opening of access to the NFC chip in iPhone devices to developers from all sides. External. This radical change, scheduled to launch with the iOS 18.1 update, will open new horizons for apps and services that rely on Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. Here are all the details about it.
Expanding the uses of NFC
Until now, the iPhone's NFC chip was mainly restricted to Apple Pay. With this update, developers will have the opportunity to exploit this technology for a wide range of applications. Potential uses include:
◉ Contactless payments in stores.
◉ Digital car keys.
◉ Public transportation cards.
◉ Institutional badges.
◉ Student ID cards.
◉ Government identification documents.
◉ Smart home switches.
◉ Electronic hotel keys.
◉ Customer loyalty cards and rewards.
◉ Electronic event tickets.
This diversity of uses will enhance the value of the iPhone as a multi-use tool in daily life, increasing users’ reliance on it in various fields.
Safety and protection measures
Apple realizes the importance of security in this step, so it takes strict measures to ensure that user data is protected. Apple will create new application programming interfaces (APIs) based on the advanced Secure Enclave module in the iPhone. This means that sensitive information will be stored directly on the device, providing an additional layer of protection.
To gain access to these features, developers will have to follow a strict process that includes:
◉ Request authorization to access NFC and Secure Enclave.
◉ Signing a commercial agreement with Apple.
◉ Pay the associated fees.
◉ Adherence to security and privacy standards set by Apple.
These measures are intended to ensure that access to these sensitive technologies is limited to approved developers who meet regulatory and industry requirements.
Virtual contactless app options
With the launch of these features, iPhone users will be able to open the desired application and then bring the phone closer to the NFC device to perform the transaction. For example, if you want to pay in a store using your bank's contactless payment service, all you have to do is open the bank's app and double-click the power button or what is known as the side button on the iPhone to start the transaction.
In addition, Apple will allow users to set third-party apps as default contactless apps in iPhone settings. Transactions will be verified using your face or fingerprint, ensuring a high level of security.
Apple Pay and Apple Wallet
It is important to note that the new NFC APIs will be separate from Apple Pay and Apple Wallet. This means that users will need to open the third-party app to use its NFC capabilities, providing a separate and integrated experience for each service.
Countries covered by the service
Initially, the NFC and Secure Enclave APIs will be available to developers in the following countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
It is expected that support will be expanded to include additional locations in the future. It is worth noting that Apple has already opened the NFC chip in the European Economic Area.
iOS 18.1 release date
The new APIs are scheduled to launch with iOS 18.1, which Apple is currently testing. Minor updates are usually released a few weeks after the main version launches, so we should expect to see iOS 18.1 in October.
Based on previous patterns, the update is likely to be released in the week of October 21st, as Apple tends to release these updates between October 20th and 25th.
Therefore, unlocking the NFC chip represents a big step towards expanding the capabilities of the iPhone and enhancing the user experience. While maintaining the high security standards that Apple is famous for, this step will open the door to new innovations in the field of digital payments and contactless services, making the iPhone a more integrated and useful tool in our daily lives.
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