Apple Plans to Integrate the NFC Technology into iPhone 6

Apple plans to incorporate Near Field Communication (NFC) technology in the iPhone 6, according to a report from BrightWire citing sources close to the matter, the report also mentioned that Apple has tied up with China UnionPay to integrate the banking company's services into Passbook app for mobile payments.

The addition of NFC into the iPhone 6 it would come as a bit surprise, as Apple's head of marketing Phil Schiller stated in 2012 that the technology was "not the solution to any current problem." Notably, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo last month predicted that Apple would incorporate NFC chips into the iPhone alongside other features.

Apple is likely to incorporate a Near Field Communication (NFC) payment function in the next generation iPhone and has reached an agreement with China UnionPay on a mobile payment service, according to a source close to the matter.

...In addition to NFC payment, the two companies will also work together on another mobile payment solution that can be used for purchases in Apple Stores, added the source.

There are many steps on the ground show that Apple work to develop a mobile payment solution, even the Touch ID fingerprint sensor was a portion of that endeavor, as CEO Tim Cook stated during Apple’s Q1 2014 earnings conference call. 

“The mobile payments area in general is one that we’ve been intrigued with and that was one of the thoughts behind the Touch ID. But we’re not limiting ourselves just to that.”

Apple also possible combines NFC technology and its existing Touch ID fingerprint scanner into the home button, as the company filed for a patent detailing such a system last September.

Apple is expected to release the iPhone 6 in two sizes of 4.7-inches and 5.5-inches later this year. Besides to larger screen, next generation-iPhone is expected to sport an ultra-thin design with rounded edges. It may include A8 processor with 1GB RAM, Touch ID fingerprint sensor and an upgraded camera featuring optical image stabilization. Jefferies analyst Peter Misek reported that Apple is negotiating with carriers for a $100 price increase on the iPhone 6 as the device gets larger and the company packs more technology into it.

Source: BrightWire  via MacRumors

Read also:

• Report: 5.5-inch 'iPhone Air' may Be Delayed Due to Battery Issues

• iPhone 6 Renderings Based on Case leaks and Recent Rumors