Apple’s Latest iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C Lack NFC Support, Market Setback Expected
The iPhone and NFC issues can lead to a market setback. The sphere of influence of the iPhone apparently extends into industries that develop products for mobile payments. Mobile credit card processing and various merchant services, including various point-of-sale applications, are also influenced by Apple’s decisions. The close relationship between these technologies is most visible in the market for mobile payments.
Specifically, there is a lack of near-field communication, or NFC, support inside the iPhone 5. The absence of this capacity could delay the standardization and adaptation of associated applications. This restriction is already creating waves, which are rippling throughout Western Europe as well as North America; however, Asian markets are not expected to sustain any substantial impact.
Apple’s main competitors fully embrace NFC technology, and the mobile credit card processing market is also doing very well. This situation certainly begs the question: Is this a part of a larger marketing strategy, or did Apple simply drop the ball when developing compatibility for merchant services?
Facilitating mobile credit card processing and other instant transactions does not constitute small potatoes, so it is worth taking a closer look at the situation.
iPhone and NFC issues – Motives and Methods
Two items seem to be present and capable of driving the decision to scrap the addition of NFC compatibility within the iPhone. First, it is possible that Apple might be attempting to undercut certain competitors. Since these products are targeted at initiating a new method for making fast and secure mobile payments, there could also be a conflict of interest lurking in the background.
Apple could also be attempting to establish a position of influence in the market for merchant services by changing the company tune only when outcry for their support reaches a high point. In addition, Apple has elected to develop the iPhone technology by using iBeacon, which employs similar transmission functions, but it is done via Bluetooth Low Energy or BLE.
Analysts observe that this single decision could put certain product developments for processing mobile payments behind for at least two years. Retailers have certainly responded by delaying their financial commitments for relevant point-of-sale devices and supporting products.
Since several alternatives to NFC are already in development, it seems like a stretch of the imagination to assume that this move is indeed strategic or even deliberate. Perhaps Apple is simply unresponsive to the various market dynamics created by its key decisions; however, this decision could also be motivated by its desire to control the technology and shift market dynamics with iBeacon. Only time will reveal the details.
About NFC
One remarkable technological innovation that has transformed our interaction with devices is NFC! Abbreviated as Near Field Communication NFC has gained attention in years, particularly in the realm of ecommerce business. So, what exactly is NFC? How does it work its enchantment?
What is NFC?
NFC, also known as Near Field Communication is a technology that enables devices to communicate and share information within distances. It works on the principle, of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections by utilizing radio frequency waves. However, what makes NFC unique is its ability to establish a connection by bringing two devices close together.
Unlike communication methods that require complicated setup processes or pairing codes, NFC allows for seamless interaction with just a tap or touch. This convenience has made NFC widely popular across applications such as payments, ticketing systems, smart home automation, and data transfer between smartphones.
One of the features of NFC is its compatibility with existing infrastructures. Many modern smartphones already come equipped with an integrated NFC chip that enables users to make payments using wallets like Apple Pay or Google Wallet. Additionally, businesses can utilize NFC-enabled point-of-sale terminals for transactions without the need for cash or physical cards.
NFC tags are another aspect of this technology. These small adhesive stickers can be programmed with instructions such as launching apps connecting to Wi-Fi networks or even triggering actions, on your device when tapped against them.
NFC is a way of communicating that makes it easier for devices to connect through close interactions. Its flexibility and user-friendly nature make it a valuable tool, for improving user experiences in industries and everyday situations alike.
Use Of NFC
One of the applications of NFC is for making mobile payments. With a tap of your smartphone or smartwatch, you can conveniently and securely make purchases at stores and restaurants without having to take out your wallet.
Another purpose of NFC is to transfer data between devices. By touching two devices together you can easily share photos, videos, contacts, and more. No need for cables or complicated setup processes.
NFC also finds its usefulness in access control systems. Imagine the convenience of entering your office building or hotel room by tapping your phone on a reader. This eliminates the need for keys or swipe cards. Provides a seamless experience.
Moreover, NFC tags have the ability to automate tasks on your device. For instance, you can program an NFC tag in your car to automatically launch navigation apps or enable Bluetooth connectivity with a tap using your phone.
In addition, to these applications, NFC technology is also being incorporated into marketing strategies. Brands are leveraging this technology to offer engaging interactions, for their customers through posters and product packaging. These interactive elements can activate content when touched with a device that supports Near Field Communication (NFC).
As demonstrated by these examples Near Field Communication has a range of applications, in our lives. It enables us to make payments share files, access buildings, and even enhance marketing initiatives. The potential seems limitless!
How Does NFC Interact With My Device?
When you tap your smartphone against another NFC-enabled device like a payment terminal or another phone the two devices establish a connection. This connection enables them to exchange information without any delay.
The interaction between your device and the NFC-enabled one happens because of fields. When the devices come close to each other their antennas generate these fields that facilitate communication between them.
Once the connection is established data can be transferred between the two devices. This could include making payments at stores or sharing files like photos and videos between smartphones.
One of the things about NFC is its simplicity. There’s no need, for setups or passwords – just a simple tap is all it takes to initiate communication.
It’s worth noting that both devices involved in an NFC transaction must have hardware and software for it to work correctly. Fortunately, most modern smartphones already come equipped with NFC capabilities.
NFC interacts with your device by utilizing fields generated by antennas. It makes things easier, such, as paying and sharing files by creating connections, between devices that work together with a simple tap. So the time you come across that NFC” symbol on a device you’ll have an understanding of its functionality!
