The on-again, off-again rumours surrounding near field communication and the iPhone 5 seems to be pointing back towards the tech being included on the upcoming Smartphone despite clear denials by Apple to various newspapers and network providers at the beginning of this week.
Apple was hotly tipped to include NFC payment technology on both the iPad 2 and iPhone 5; obviously the former didn’t come with wireless payment capabilities and Apple said there was ‘a clear lack of standard across the industry’ that meant it would not be included on the iPhone 5. Leaks did reveal that Apple are and will continue to develop their own payment solution – this was not expected to be included on the iPhone 5, so what’s changed?
An entrepreneur/mole has been speaking with Forbes magazine revealing that he is working on a highly top secret alternative to NFC, not for Apple though. The entrepreneur says a ‘friend’ who works for Apple is certain that the iPhone 5 will come equipped with NFC capabilities – certain!
He also said that NFC reader manufacturers who install payment systems for retailers and services also expect Apple to include NFC – they are ‘in fact’ preparing for the increased demand that the iPhone 5 will bring. Strong claims but to be fair all ones that make sense despite the reports earlier in the week.
Apple may be planning a surprise roll out of NFC and the shenanigans earlier in the week could be a tactical move to muddy the waters; they do after all like to keep some tricks up their sleeve.
Do you think Apple need to include NFC on the iPhone 5?
Via: Forbes
It wouldn't affect my decision to buy the phone by any means.
I was disappointed when apple said they wernt but now they are i am definatly going to buy the iphone 5
To be perfectly honest I would much rather see improvements in the camera, battery life and antenna than have NFC not really much call for it at the moment ……
NFC probably will be in the iPhone 5, but that doesn’t mean it will be in this year’s new iPhone. Apple will probably do a smaller update like they did from the 3G to 3GS – maybe iPhone 4S or something like that. Then the iPhone 5 wouldn’t be released until summer 2012!