14 DAY TRIAL // Even though iOS 12 isn’t expected to include too many changes, some new features will still be part of the update, and according to a recent report, NFC improvements are at the top of the list.
The Information claims that Apple plans to open the doors for developers to its NFC chip, which means that iPhone users could soon benefit from functionality that has until now been restricted due to Cupertino’s obsession for limitations.
While Apple has most often invoked security reasons for its walled garden, it looks like the company has found a way to provide devs with access to the NFC chips without any concern on users’ side, instead permitting features like iPhones acting as transit cards for public transportation and hotel doors keys.
iPhones can already double as such devices, in some cases using low-energy Bluetooth terminals to communicate with the controls it has to connect to, but Apple is aiming towards a more secure implementation that would work similarly with Apple Pay. This means no further apps would be required, and security would thus remain unchanged, despite iPhones being able to serve new purposes.
Apple exploring more NFC-powered features
According to the cited source, Apple is already test-driving iPhones playing the role of keys for access to certain Apple Park buildings, and the company is working together with HID Global in this regard.
HID Global offers Apple’s security system in the campus, and the company is believed to have built special terminals that would offer access to restricted areas based on the new tech implemented in iPhones.
Additionally, Apple has explored the possibility of pushing iPhones towards replacing public transportation tickets with a series of parties, including Cubic. Again, while such capabilities are already possible, Apple wants such a feature to work out of the box without putting security at risk, at the same time offering a smooth experience similar to Apply Pay. More information on Apple’s new plans could arrive at WWDC early next month when the company is also expected to take the wraps off an early version of iOS 12 and introduce the changes coming with the update.