- Apple Opens NFC Technology: Apple announced that starting with iOS 18.1, third-party app developers in select countries will gain access to its NFC contactless payment technology.
- Supported Locations: The new feature will be available to developers in the US, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and the UK.
- Expanded Transaction Options: Developers can offer in-app contactless transactions separate from Apple Pay and Apple Wallet. Supported transactions include in-store payments, transit, corporate badges, car keys, event tickets, home and hotel keys, student IDs, and merchant loyalty cards. Future support for government IDs is planned.
- Security and Compliance: Developers will need to enter into a “commercial agreement” with Apple and pay associated fees, ensuring compliance with Apple’s security and privacy standards.
- Regulatory Context: This move follows an antitrust settlement with the European Commission, where Apple committed to open access to its tap-and-go technology to certain European countries for the next 10 years.
- End of BNPL Service: Apple also mentioned it is discontinuing its Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) service in the US.
