Apple to Open NFC Chip Internationally for Third-Party Developers, USDC Integration with iOS 18.1

Aug 14, 2024, 05:38 PM

Apple is set to open up its NFC chip to third-party developers internationally with the release of iOS 18.1, allowing for NFC contactless transactions via the Secure Element within apps. This move will enable developers to offer payments, car keys, transit, IDs, and more, separate from Apple Pay and Wallet. Developers will need to enter into a commercial agreement with Apple and pay associated fees. The new NFC and Secure Element APIs will be available in countries including the U.S., U.K., Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand. This development also paves the way for alternative payment methods, such as USDC tap-to-pay, to be integrated into iPhone apps. Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire has announced that tap-to-pay using USDC on iPhones is coming soon.