ABI: Apple to Launch iPhone 5 with NFC in 2012

ABI Research has issued a research note titled ‘Google Wallet and Apple Will Force MNO Cooperation in Mobile Wallet Wars,’ acknowledging that Apple will introduce an NFC (near field communication) device next year.

Mark Beccue, senior analyst, mobile commerce and NFC, is quoted in the report as saying that “By the end of 2012, Google will prove that Google Wallet is a hit with consumers. By 2014, we will see Google Wallets supported alongside competing MNO offerings globally.”

Beccue forecasts that MNOs will provide 75% of all mobile wallets in 2012, shrinking to 63% in 2016.

Weighing in on the Cupertino, California-based iPhone maker, the analyst says: “Apple will launch a mobile wallet product in 2012. Apple’s MNO partners will allow Apple to offer their mobile wallet to consumers who have iPhones, regardless of whether or not the MNO has a competing mobile wallet,” says Beccue. Full report here.