Enhanced NFC Standard to Revolutionize Contactless Payments

The next version of the Near Field Communication (NFC) standard aims to enhance the ease of making payments, pairing devices, and unlocking doors using smartphones or smartwatches. A significant improvement in this update is the increase in the distance for contactless connections, which will expand from 0.5 cm to 2 cm, effectively quadrupling the range.

This advancement means that NFC chips will not need to be as precisely aligned with terminals to establish a connection. This is particularly advantageous for users who often struggle with smaller devices, such as smartwatches or rings. Tap-to-pay systems, including Apple Pay, will also initiate transactions more quickly, making contactless payments faster and more reliable.

While some devices currently register contactless connections at distances greater than 5 mm, the NFC Forum behind the standard indicates that this specification update is “redefining the baseline.” The NFC Release 15 is essential for supporting contactless applications that require higher reliability and a broader operating range, as noted in according to the NFC Forum. This includes the integration of NFC technology into increasingly compact devices and the execution of more complex tasks with a single tap, such as utilizing a wallet app to pay for products, receive digital receipts, and accumulate store loyalty points.

The NFC Release 15 is presently accessible to high-level NFC Forum member companies, including major players like Apple, Google, Sony, and Huawei. These companies can begin implementing the enhancements in their products. Compliance certification for the new standard is expected to be available to the public later this fall. The Verge has reached out to the NFC Forum to inquire whether existing NFC devices can be updated to support the new release standard upon its rollout, but no response was received before publication.