Apple opens access to NFC chip on iPhone: new features for contactless payments, keys and tickets with iOS 18.1

This autumn, with the release of iOS 18.1, Apple will take a significant step by opening up the NFC chip to third-party developers. Until now, this chip has been used mainly for Apple Pay, but now new opportunities will appear for both users and developers.

Here's What We Know

By expanding access to NFC, banks will be able to offer their customers alternative contactless payment options, and developers will be able to integrate NFC into their applications to implement new functions such as car keys, student IDs, travel cards, and in the future even government IDs.

Apple will provide developers with special APIs that will enable secure transactions through Secure Enclave, ensuring that sensitive information is stored directly on the device. However, in order to access these features, developers must be authorised, sign a commercial agreement with Apple and meet strict security requirements.

iOS 18.1 is expected to be released on 21 October, and it will open up new horizons for the development of innovative applications and services.

Source: Macrumors