Apple Opens iPhone NFC Chip: Key Details You Need to Know With the release of iOS 18.1 this fall, Apple will open up the iPhone’s NFC chip to third-party developers, enabling support for NFC contactless transactions beyond just Apple Pay. Currently restricted to Apple Pay, the NFC chip will soon offer a range of new functionalities as Apple expands its access.
NFC Capabilities in Third-Party Apps
With expanded NFC access, banks will be able to provide direct contactless payment options as an alternative to Apple Pay, while app developers will gain additional functionalities. Apple highlights several potential uses for NFC, including:
- Contactless payments at retail locations
- Digital car keys
- Closed-loop transit cards
- Corporate access badges
- Student identification cards
- Government IDs (expected in the future)
- Home keys
- Hotel room keys
- Merchant loyalty and reward cards
- Event tickets
Security Protections
Apple is introducing new APIs to facilitate contactless transactions using the iPhone’s NFC chip. These APIs will leverage the Secure Enclave to ensure that sensitive information is stored directly on the device. To access these features, developers must request NFC and Secure Enclave entitlements, enter into a commercial agreement with Apple, and pay applicable fees. Apple will grant access only to authorized developers who comply with regulatory standards and meet Apple’s security and privacy requirements.
Default Contactless App Options
When the new features are available, iPhone users will be able to initiate payments by opening their bank app and holding the iPhone near an NFC terminal. For transactions, users will double-click the side button on the iPhone. Additionally, third-party apps can be set as the default contactless payment apps through the iPhone’s Settings. Transactions will be verified using Face ID or Touch ID for added security.
Apple Pay and Apple Wallet
The new NFC APIs are distinct from Apple Pay and Apple Wallet. To use third-party NFC capabilities, users will need to open the relevant app instead of using Apple’s built-in payment options.
Available Countries
The NFC and Secure Enclave APIs will initially be available to developers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the UK, and the United States, with plans to expand to additional regions in the future. Apple has already made the NFC chip available in the European Economic Area.
iOS 18.1 Launch Date
The new APIs will be introduced with the release of iOS 18.1, which is currently in testing. iOS 18.1 is expected to launch a few weeks after iOS 18, likely in October. Historically, .1 updates have been released between October 20 and October 25, so iOS 18.1 is anticipated to be available around the week of October 21.
