Apple is set to open up its iPhone NFC capabilities to third-party developers with iOS 18.1, allowing them to enable in-app contactless payments transactions and other NFC-based functionalities that were previously exclusive to Apple Pay. The update will enable a broad range of uses, such as in-store payments, car keys, and event tickets. Developers are required to enter a commercial agreement with Apple to access these features. The move follows pressure from a European Commission antitrust investigation, leading Apple to commit to expanding NFC access beyond its own apps.
Apple is finally going to open up iPhone tap-to-pay
