Starting in iOS 18.1, users will be able to offer NFC contactless transactions using Secure Element, separate from Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, from within their own apps on the iPhone. Additionally, Apple has opened up iPhone NFC to third-party apps, paving the way for smart payment solutions like SoftNote Pay to transform crypto payments.
New Apple NFC Feature Will Enable Tap-to-Pay Crypto Payments
According to a Twitter statement, Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire revealed that USDC tap-to-pay could soon be possible on iPhones in response to Apple’s recent update. Jeremy said: “Tap to pay using USDC on iPhones incoming soon. Wallet devs, start your engines.”
Furthermore, he clarified that Circle has no direct relationship or partnership with Apple or Apple Pay.
Apple has confirmed that with the upcoming iOS 18.1 version, developers can use NFC contactless payments in their apps via Secure Element (SE). The statement comes after extensive regulatory pressure from bodies such as the European Union.
According to the report, by enabling third-party developers to use the iPhone NFC payment chip, Apple will provide unprecedented access to tap-to-pay features for crypto wallet applications.
How USDC Tap-to-Pay Will Work
Allaire also says that iOS wallets that support USDC could streamline payments by allowing devices to exchange transaction information with a simple tap.
For instance, a point-of-sale (PoS) system could tell iPhone users a blockchain address or payment amount, prompting the user to confirm the transaction using any authentication method. The application would then process the payment through the blockchain.
Furthermore, Allaire suggested that this feature could enable direct USDC payments to merchants and enable transactions for other digital assets, such as NFTs or stablecoins like Eurocoin.
