Apple opens contactless payments to app developers

Apple said that starting with the upcoming release of iOS 18.1 in the fall, developers who create apps for the iPhone will be able to take advantage of Apple’s contactless transaction features. Announce Aug. 14. That means applications could include customized in-person payments, company badges and other IDs, rewards cards and more.

The new feature will be available to developers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States

Contactless payments such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay have become commonplace due to their ease of use, allowing people to make purchases by simply tapping their phones. Similarly, Near Field Communication IDs can be used on university or corporate campuses to allow people to enter buildings without having to carry a physical key or ID card. Some examples Apple provides to developers include enterprise uses, For example “Bank card issuers, car key manufacturers and transport operators.”

Previously, Apple announced that it would open NFC chips to third-party applications in Europe while complying with the Digital Markets Act. Apple Intelligence may be coming to Macs in the EUbypassing the DMA rules.

NFC is part of the Secure Element platform

How does this work?

Tap-to-money apps like Apple Pay use a certified chip-based secure element to keep transactions secure by storing sensitive information. Developers will be able to access NFC and secure element APIs to add, store, and display contactless cards for NFC within iOS apps.

Using NFC, developers can make an app that can be used as the default contactless app on the phone. The user can also select the app manually. If desired, an NFC app running in the foreground can prevent the system default contactless app from activating.

Apple said the secure enclave, biometric authentication and Apple servers combine to provide security for contactless payments, and the company also noted that developers will be able to use NFC to capture government ID cards at an unspecified date in the future.

How to use NFC and SE API?

Developers who want to build apps for NFC need to sign a commercial agreement with Apple. Once they have signed the agreement, they can apply for NFC and SE authorization, which gives them access to the API on iOS 18.1 and later on iPhone. This authorization requires payment of a fee.

Apple offers Detailed Guide Request access to NFC and SE platforms and design NFC applications on iPhone.