Apple Rules Out NFC for iPhone 5, Sources Say
One of the most common rumors about the upcoming iPhone 5 is that Apple plans to put in NFC payment technology that would basically make the iPhone 5 your wallet. Industry sources say that won't be happening this year, at least.
While The Independent confirms that Apple is indeed testing Near Field Communication technology in anticipation of including it in devices, the company isn't satisfied with the technology standards yet. Sources from several U.K. networks confirm that Apple wants to skip NFC tech in the iPhone 5 , although that doesn't rule out NFC tech in iPhones further down the line. It seems that 2012 (the iPhone 6) would be the earliest we'll see Apple devices with NFC capabilities.
Currently, NFC technology is new enough that there aren't clear standards for implementing it nationwide. It's used frequently in Asia, but the standards aren't well-defined. NFC-equipped devices will be able to make purchases by simply being close to a kiosk. Wireless signals pass account information and process the transaction instantly.
The iPhone 5 is expected to launch this summer, likely in July.
