Apple wants to replace transit passes with iPhone 6’s NFC

by Unknown 09:05 0 comments

iPhone 6 owners have only started using Apple Pay to buy items at local stores, but Apple is looking to expand the technology behind its mobile payments system to eventually replace everything from building security cards, subway passes, and bus tickets.

Apple representatives have reportedly been talking to potential partners about using the iPhone 6’s NFC for other uses, reports The Information, with the aim to replace all the tickets and passes you carry in your wallet too.

The Apple representatives have talked to technology providers like HID Global and Cubic, which enable secure access to buildings and transit fare systems, respectively, said people briefed on the discussions. Spokespeople for the companies declined to comment about any discussions with Apple, but executives there discussed how they could integrate their systems with the iPhone.

Apple added NFC to the iPhone 6 after years of speculation that it would need the tech for mobile payments. Access to the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus NFC chips has been closed off from developers, but sources at Apple have informed Cult of Mac that access could be opened up to exclusive partners and eventually all developers in the future.
By giving partners access to the iPhone’s NFC, cards could be uploaded to your Passbook the same way credit cards are added, with key info stored in the secure element. Users could then tap phones at NFC-equiped transit turnstiles to pay for a ride on public systems like San Francisco’s Bay Area Transit System.