Experts
at popular technology blog Anandtech have analysed the leaks related to
the new iPhone and come to the conclusion that Apple's upcoming
smartphone is "unlikely" to come with NFC technology.
NFC, or
Near Field Communication, technology enables devices to communicate with
each other over radio frequencies without any physical contact (much
like Bluetooth). This means, for example, you can simply swipe your NFC
enabled phone to make a payment at a NFC enabled vendor, as an
alternative to paying by credit card. Banks around the world have done
away with detailed authorization checks for NFC transactions below
certain amount, which means the entire transaction is completed much
faster.
A NFC connection establishes much faster than Bluetooth
(but not Bluetooth Low Energy) and also has a shorter range than
Bluetooth, reducing the likelihood of unwanted pairings.
Given
the primarily metal backside of the new iPhone, it's highly unlikely
that NFC is in the cards for this generation. In fact, given the very
little space at top and bottom dedicated to those glass RF windows, you
can almost entirely rule it out.
Noted Apple pundit Jim Dalrymple of The Loop weighed in with a simple "Yep." in agreement with Anandtech's assessment, adding further fuel to the fire.
Flagship
smartphones from Samsung, HTC, LG and Nokia, as well as several other
mid-to-high-range smartphones have been shipping with NFC technology for
around two years, increasing speculation that Apple will follow suit.
Posts
