NFC technology is back in the spotlight thanks to the arrival of its new version, Release 15, which brings notable improvements especially to iPhone and Apple Watch users.If you regularly make payments with your mobile phone or use your iPhone or watch to access public transport, you may have found yourself needing to position your device in just the right spot to get a connection. That's about to change, and in the best possible way.
This update, announced by the global forum that regulates NFC standards and in which Apple is one of the main members, marks a before and after in how we use NFC on Apple devices.In addition to improving the mobile payment experience, it introduces new possibilities that we'll soon notice in our daily lives.
Four times the range: goodbye to pinpoint accuracy
One of the main changes in the NFC Release 15 standard is the expansion of the operating range of contactless connections, which goes from half a centimeter to two centimeters.While this may not seem like much in numbers, in practice it makes a significant difference, especially when paying with Apple Pay or using features like Tap to Pay on iPhone. You will no longer need to be so careful about placing your mobile phone or watch in the exact right place.; it will be much easier to make payments even if we have our hands full.
This improvement in range is also especially useful in small devices such as smartwatches.Until now, the antenna's small size meant NFC connections could fail more frequently. With the new specification, both the iPhone and Apple Watch will perform more stably and quickly in everyday operations.
More reliability, speed and new usage options
In addition to the increased range, Release 15 introduces improved reliability and speed in transfers.This means that connections will start sooner and recognition errors will be significantly reduced, which is especially appreciated in rushed situations or when several operations need to be performed in a row.
One of the great new features is the ability to perform several different actions with a single touch.For example, it will be possible to pay for a purchase and, at the same time, swipe a loyalty card or load a transport ticket. This type of use opens the door to much more comfortable and versatile experiences., both for consumers and for businesses and access systems.
New apps and the future of NFC on the iPhone
Another interesting addition is support for the so-called Digital Product Passport (DPP)., a European initiative that facilitates lifecycle monitoring and the environmental impact of products. Thanks to advances in NFC, it will be easier to include relevant information directly on the product itself, which can be key in logistics and recycling processes.
Apple, along with other companies such as Google and Sony, is part of the small group that defines the roadmap for NFC technology.Apple devices, such as the iPhone and Apple Watch, will be some of the first to incorporate Release 15 once compatible products are officially certified. Everything indicates that we will see this technology fully implemented in the iPhone 17 generation or later, possibly starting in 2025, although some improvements could arrive sooner depending on implementation by Apple and retail manufacturers.
This advancement in NFC will make payments and connections easier, make wearables more reliable, and enable new features like one-touch multi-use, making the experience much more natural and convenient for regular users of this technology.
