Yesterday we heard that the new iPhone 5 may feature a similar design to the existing iPhone 4, and now there is another rumor circulating that reports that the new iPhone 5 will feature Near Field Communications (NFC) after all.
We previously reported that the iPhone 5 would not come with NFC built in. The news came from a number of European mobile phone operators who had said that Apple had decided not to include NFC in the iPhone 5.
The Potential of NFC Technology
Now the guys over at TFTS are reporting that the iPhone 5 will in fact feature NFC, and the sources are from developers who are working on NFC projects. Apple is apparently keeping their project under wraps at the moment. NFC technology allows for the wireless exchange of data between devices over short distances, typically a few centimeters. This technology can be used for a variety of applications, including contactless payments, data exchange, and even pairing devices.
For instance, with NFC, users could simply tap their iPhone 5 against a payment terminal to make a purchase, eliminating the need for physical credit cards. This could revolutionize the way we handle transactions, making them faster and more secure. Additionally, NFC could be used for sharing files, photos, and other data between devices with just a tap, enhancing the user experience.
Apple’s Strategic Move
I think it would make sense for Apple to include NFC in the iPhone 5, as they have a large user base of iTunes subscribers that they could market an NFC payment system to. Apple has always been at the forefront of integrating new technologies into their devices, and NFC could be the next big step. By incorporating NFC, Apple could leverage its existing ecosystem, including the App Store and iTunes, to offer seamless and integrated payment solutions.
Moreover, Apple could introduce new features and services that utilize NFC, such as loyalty programs, transit passes, and secure access to buildings and events. This would not only enhance the functionality of the iPhone 5 but also create new revenue streams for Apple.
Whether we will see NFC in this year’s iPhone refresh or whether we will have to wait until next year remains to be seen. However, the inclusion of NFC could give Apple a competitive edge in the smartphone market, as more and more consumers are looking for convenient and secure ways to make payments and share data.
Have a look at our article on the difference between the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, and also make sure you check out our iPhone 4S review.
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