With a new, possibly NFC-capable iPhone on tap, Apple is reportedly working with major credit card companies to expand its mobile wallet.
According to Bloomberg, Apple is partnering with Visa and Mastercard, as well as other banks and merchants, on a tap-to-pay feature.
Citing people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reports that when paired with Apple’s Touch ID fingerprint reader, users will be able to pay securely for items by simply placing their finger on the home button.
While rumors of NFC capability have preceded the launch of the last three iPhone models, Apple has yet to include the functionality in its smarpthones.
Apple’s devices come pre-loaded with the company’s Passbook app, which stores discount cards, coupons and tickets, but without NFC those documents can only be used for payment if they have a scannable barcode on them.
Samsung and other Android OEMs have included NFC chips in many of their smarpthones but the use of the technology has floundered on a lack of infrastructure at the point of sale that can support contactless payments.
Filed Under: Devices
