Apple’s iOS 12 will be made official at WWDC 2018 next month, and the new OS is expected to launch in September along with the new iPhone X handsets. This highly anticipated update is set to bring a host of new features and improvements to the iPhone, enhancing user experience and expanding the device’s capabilities.
Expanded NFC Capabilities
At the moment, Apple’s NFC chip in the iPhone is only used for Apple Pay, a feature that allows users to make secure payments with their devices. However, this is something that is going to change with the release of iOS 12. According to a recent report by The Information, NFC will be available for things like smart locks and more on the iPhone with the next major release of Apple’s iOS.
The change to the near-field communication, or NFC, chip, which is expected to be announced next month, could pave the way for people to use iPhones for other security-sensitive interactions, from paying transit fares and opening car doors to verifying their identity in other ways. This expansion of NFC capabilities could significantly enhance the convenience and functionality of the iPhone, making it an even more integral part of daily life.
Already, employees at Apple’s new campus in Cupertino, Calif., are using their iPhones to gain access to buildings and offices, suggesting that the technology has been deployed there, people familiar with the matter said. This real-world application demonstrates the potential of the expanded NFC capabilities and hints at the broader uses that could be available to the general public with iOS 12.
Potential Applications and Benefits
The expanded use of NFC technology in iOS 12 opens up a myriad of possibilities for both consumers and developers. For instance, smart home integration could be taken to the next level, allowing users to unlock doors, control lighting, and manage other smart devices with a simple tap of their iPhone. This could streamline the user experience and provide a more seamless interaction with smart home ecosystems.
In the realm of transportation, the ability to pay transit fares using NFC on the iPhone could simplify commuting and travel. Cities around the world are increasingly adopting contactless payment systems for public transportation, and integrating this functionality into the iPhone could make it easier for users to navigate these systems without needing separate transit cards or tickets.
Moreover, the potential for using NFC to verify identity could have significant implications for security and privacy. For example, users could authenticate their identity for secure access to online services, banking, and other sensitive applications. This could reduce the reliance on passwords and enhance the overall security of digital interactions.
Apple is holding their 2018 Worldwide Developer Conference between the 4th and 8th of June, where we will have more information about their new iOS 12. This event is expected to provide a comprehensive overview of the new features and improvements coming to the iPhone, including the expanded NFC capabilities.
The release of iOS 12 promises to bring significant advancements to the iPhone, particularly with the expanded use of NFC technology. This update could transform the way users interact with their devices, offering greater convenience, enhanced security, and new possibilities for integration with smart home and transportation systems. As we await the official announcement at WWDC 2018, the potential of iOS 12 is generating excitement and anticipation among Apple users and tech enthusiasts alike.
Source: MacRumors
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