This fall, with iOS 18.1, Apple will let third-party developers use the NFC chip for contactless payments and other features. Currently, the NFC chip is mostly restricted to Apple Pay, but new options will become available when Apple opens up NFC access.
NFC Capabilities in Third-Party Apps
With iOS 18.1, Apple will allow third-party apps to use the iPhone’s NFC chip for contactless payments and other functions, not just Apple Pay. Here are some examples Apple says NFC can be used for:
- Contactless payments in stores
- Car keys
- Transit cards
- Corporate badges
- Student and government IDs (future)
- Home and hotel keys
- Loyalty and reward cards
- Event tickets
Security Protections
Apple is developing new APIs to enable these contactless transactions, which will use the iPhone’s Secure Enclave to store sensitive data. Developers will need to request access, sign an agreement with Apple, and meet security and privacy standards to use these APIs.
Default Contactless App Options
Once these features are available, iPhone users can open a third-party app and hold the iPhone near an NFC terminal to make a payment. You can also set third-party apps as the default contactless app in the iPhone’s Settings. Transactions will be verified with Face ID or Touch ID.
Apple Pay and Apple Wallet
These new NFC capabilities are separate from Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, so you’ll need to use a third-party app to access them.
Available Countries
The NFC and Secure Enclave APIs will be available to developers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the UK, and the United States. More locations will be supported in the future. Apple has already opened up the NFC chip in the European Economic Area.
iOS 18.1 Launch Date
The new APIs will be included in iOS 18.1, which Apple is currently testing. The update is expected to release in late October, likely around the week of October 21.