Summary:

Apple will open iPhone NFC functionality to third-party developers beyond the EU, starting with select countries.
Developers will need to enter a commercial agreement and pay fees to access NFC features.
Despite the expanded access, Apple’s NFC openness will remain more restricted compared to Android.

In a significant shift, Apple has announced plans to extend the NFC (Near Field Communication) capabilities of iPhones to third-party developers worldwide. This decision follows pressure from the European Commission, which previously mandated that Apple allow other mobile payment systems to use its NFC technology. Now, Apple is taking this a step further by including developers from outside the EU in its upcoming iOS 18.1 release.

Initially, the new NFC access will be available to developers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the UK, and the US, in addition to those in the EU. However, this broader access comes with caveats. Apple will require developers to enter into a commercial agreement, apply for specific entitlements related to NFC and Secure Element (SE) usage, and pay associated fees. These fees, while not yet disclosed, are part of Apple’s commitment to maintaining high standards of user security and privacy.

Despite these advancements, Apple’s approach will still be more restrictive compared to the openness of NFC technology on Android devices. The move signifies Apple’s willingness to adapt its policies in response to regulatory pressures but also highlights the company’s ongoing emphasis on control and security. As a result, while NFC on iPhones will become more versatile, it will not match the level of openness seen in competing mobile platforms.