Tap-to-pay services like Apple Pay are set to undergo significant advancements in the near future, as the technology behind it, NFC (Near Field Communication), evolves. The NFC Forum, the body responsible for standardizing NFC technology, has outlined key areas that will drive the progression of NFC tech from now until 2028. This development is expected to bring about enhanced functionalities such as increased communication range, improved wireless charging capabilities, and more.
NFC, which can be found in a wide range of devices including smartphones and gaming figurines, is renowned for its short-range communication capabilities. Currently, for an NFC connection to be established, devices need to be within 5mm of each other. This limitation has led to the term “contactless payments” being something of a misnomer. The NFC Forum aims to expand the range of NFC communication by a factor of four to six, potentially increasing the range to 30mm (or 1.18 inches). This extended range would allow users to simply wave their handbags or other NFC-enabled devices near payment terminals, eliminating the need for precise contact.
In addition to the extended communication range, the NFC Forum is also focused on improving wireless charging capabilities. At present, wireless charging power for NFC devices is limited to 1W. The NFC Forum intends to increase this to a more practical 3W. While this falls short of the Qi standard’s maximum power of 15W, it still opens up new possibilities for wireless charging in smaller form factors. One potential application would be standards-based wireless charging for individual earbuds, offering greater convenience and portability.
Another area of development highlighted in the NFC Forum’s roadmap is facilitating point-of-sale transactions. Apple has already introduced a Tap to Pay API, which enables developers to turn iPhones into payment terminals. The NFC Forum aims to make this functionality native across all NFC-enabled devices, allowing businesses and individuals to accept payments anywhere. By streamlining the payment process, this advancement would enhance the overall customer experience and provide more flexibility for merchants.
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The NFC Forum is also exploring the concept of a “multi-purpose tap” that can perform multiple actions with a single tap. For example, attendees at a concert could gain entry by tapping their devices once, instead of swiping or scanning individual tickets. This feature has the potential to simplify various transactions and interactions, making them more efficient and user-friendly.
Additionally, the NFC Forum is considering a feature that would provide valuable information about a device’s composition to facilitate easier recycling instructions. By providing clear information on the materials used in a device, this feature would contribute to more sustainable practices and promote responsible disposal of electronic devices.
To learn more about these exciting advancements, the NFC Forum will be presenting its development roadmap during a public webinar scheduled for June 27th. This event will provide insights into the future of NFC technology and its potential applications across various industries.
In conclusion, NFC technology is set to undergo significant improvements over the next few years, offering expanded communication range, enhanced wireless charging capabilities, and more streamlined point-of-sale transactions. These advancements promise to revolutionize tap-to-pay services like Apple Pay, making them even more convenient and versatile for users. As the NFC Forum continues to drive innovation in this field, the possibilities for NFC technology are expanding, opening up new avenues for seamless, contactless transactions and interactions.
