Report: Apple readying NFC technology for iPad 2, iPhone 5

By Aemon Malone January 25, 2011

Apple is working to bring near-field communication (NFC) technology to both the next-generation iPad and iPhone, Richard Doherty, director of consulting firm Envisioneering Group, told Bloomberg. Doherty, in turn, cited “engineers who are working on hardware for the Apple project” as the source for the information. The inclusion of embedded NFC hardware would allow users to send and receive data from their iPhones and iPads to terminals at distances of up to 4 inches.

NFC has a variety of potential uses, but Apple appears to be most interested in NFC’s ability to function as a mobile payment system, or “e-wallet.” “Apple’s service may be able to tap into user information already on file, including credit-card numbers, iTunes gift-card balance and bank data,” according to a financial adviser cited in Bloomberg‘s report.

NFC represents a potentially simpler way for customer’s to make real-world transactions, but it could also be a boon to retailers. By encouraging users to link their devices to bank accounts directly — and not their credit cards — retailers may save money they would have otherwise spent on credit and debit card fees.

Apple may also use data about customer’s NFC purchases to sell targeted ads based on where users are spending money. “NFC would let Apple’s iAd advertising network personalize ads to the places where a customer is spending money. That could double or triple the ad rates that Apple charges, ” according to a financial adviser cited in the Bloomberg report.

Apple already has developed a prototype of an NFC mobile payment system, according to Doherty. And the company may consider subsidizing NFC terminals, or even giving away the technology to retailers, to promote rapid adoption of NFC and encourage sales of NFC-ready iPads and iPhones.

If what we’re hearing is true, we may see Apple’s mobile payment system appearing in retail stores as early as mid-2011.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Computing

Best Apple deals: Save on AirPods, Apple Watch, iPad, MacBook

Apple MacBook Air M1 open, on a table.

Apple has been a big player in the tech space for a long time, and it has pioneered some of the technology we use today, such as best wireless earbuds and the best smartwatches. If that wasn't enough, it even makes some of the best best laptops and best tablets on the market, so pretty much whatever tech you're looking for, Apple has an excellent version of it. Not only that, but Apple's ecosystem is also easily one of the best available, with only Samsung really competing in that space, and if you're already in the Apple ecosystem, then it makes sense to continue buying stuff from Apple.

Of course, Apple tech can be quite pricey, which is why we've gone out and searched through various big retailers to find you some of the best deals we can find. That includes everything from the MacBook to the AirTag, so hopefully, you can find the perfect deal that fits your needs and budget.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) -- $80, was $99

Mobile

How to schedule a text message on your iPhone

Close-up photo of the Messages app on an iPhone.

Do you often send text messages to a friend or family member across the pond? Or do you want to message someone when you know they’re off work and are able to get to you in a reasonable manner? Maybe you want to send a message every day at the same time, to let your significant other know you’re on the way home and to ask if they need you to pick up anything.

If you said yes to any of these scenarios (or other ones you have in your head), you may be looking for a way to schedule text messages on your iPhone. After all, this is a feature that Android users have, and it can often prove incredibly convenient.

Mobile

iPhone SE deals: Refurbished 2nd and 3rd Gen iPhones

apple iphone se 2020 news new black camera and touch id 04152020

Apple’s iPhone is one of the most popular phones on the planet, and whatever its current model happens to be almost always ranks among the best phones. This makes the iPhone an expensive purchase, which is where the iPhone SE comes in. Apple launched the iPhone SE in order to make an iPhone affordable to more people. The SE utilizes technology that’s a generation or two old and will often take the form factor of a previous iPhone model. Right now the it's a great phone to turn to for even more savings. There are some iPhone SE deals to take a look at out there, and while it’s difficult to find newer iPhone SE models, you can shop refurbished knowing the big retailers are likely backing the purchase with warranties and solid return windows. So whether you’re looking for some great iPhone deals or phone deals in general, below you’ll find the best iPhone SE deals to shop right now.
iPhone SE 2nd Gen deals

The second generation of the iPhone SE was initially launched in 2020, but it still manages to keep up with the needs of many phone users today. It utilizes the body of the Apple iPhone 8, which means it will have a home button and fingerprint ID instead of the Face ID technology in current iPhone models. That’s not much to give up, however, as the second generation iPhone SE still has a great display, a 12-megapixel camera with the ability to shoot 4K video, and wireless charging capability.