Apple Opens NFC Access to Developers with Upcoming iOS 18.1 Update

On August 14, Apple announced a significant update to its NFC capabilities, stating that starting with the new operating system iOS 18.1, developers will have access to the iPhone's NFC chip. This change allows developers to utilize the Secure Element (SE) within iPhones to introduce NFC contactless data exchange services and features in their own applications. 

Users will be able to access these new app functionalities either by directly opening the app or by setting it as the default for NFC exchanges in the iOS settings. In such cases, a double-click of the side button on the iPhone will trigger the feature.

Apple indicated that by opening up the NFC and SE APIs, developers can offer a variety of interactive capabilities within apps, including functionalities for closed-loop public transport systems, employee ID badges, student IDs, home keys, hotel keys, merchant loyalty points, event tickets, and even identification documents. This expanded access will initially be rolled out to developers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States with the upcoming release of iOS 18.1. Plans to extend this availability to additional regions may follow.

However, developers wishing to integrate the aforementioned NFC exchange features into their iPhone apps will need to sign a commercial agreement with Apple and obtain authorization for NFC and SE use, which will also incur associated fees. Apple asserts that this approach assures compliance with specific industry and regulatory requirements, as well as adherence to Apple’s security and privacy standards.

This latest development comes shortly after the European Commission reached a settlement with Apple in July, where Apple agreed to open its NFC-based mobile payment capabilities to competitors for free. The commitments made in this settlement are legally binding for a period of 10 years and will cover the entire European Economic Area. This means that in the European market, Apple’s NFC payment functionality will be available for third-party platforms.

In 2022, the European Commission accused Apple of restricting third-party mobile payment app developers from utilizing NFC, hindering market competition. The EU claimed that Apple prevented competitors from using tap-and-go technology, which directly benefited its Apple Pay system.

Furthermore, the European Commission had initially warned that if Apple did not comply with these demands, the company could face fines amounting to 10% of its global annual revenue. With Apple's 2023 revenue reported at $383 billion, this could translate to nearly $40 billion in potential fines. It appears that these pressures may have influenced Apple to compromise with the EU and reach an agreement. Notably, the ongoing disputes between Apple and the EU also extend to other potential markets.

UNIRfid is a professional manufacturer, specialized in rifd tags, rfid stickers, rfid cards, nfc stickers, and nfc solutions.  Would like to help company or industry to develop the NFC applications with Apple.


Related Producust:  NFC On Metal Sticker,  NFC Bubble Sticker