Apple is opening NFC access to third-party developers in iOS 18.1, allowing them to implement use the iPhone’s Secure Element. Developers can create apps for various uses, including payments, transit fares, and IDs, utilizing the Secure Element for security. This decision follows a legal agreement with the European Commission to comply with EU regulations. Developers must enter a commercial agreement with Apple and pay fees to access the NFC functionality, which will be available in the US, EU, and several other countries. Apple Pay and Apple Wallet will still be available alongside these new systems.
Why do we care?
By allowing third-party developers to access the iPhone’s NFC Secure Element, Apple is significantly expanding the potential use cases for NFC technology on its devices. There’s opportunity to deliver solutions to customers who might want larger NFC deployment using the device already in everyone’s pocket. This feels like a notable, valuable unlock.
