Apple adds support for NFC tags to iPhone 7 and Apple Watch

A new Core NFC function which forms part of iOS 11 will add support for NFC tag reading to the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, Apple has revealed. Support for NFC tag reading is also being added to the Apple Watch with the release of watchOS 4.

With Core NFC, iPhones will be able to “detect NFC tags and read messages that contain NDEF data,” Apple says.

iOS 11 is now available in beta and is due to roll out to consumers “in the fall”. The addition of support for NFC tag reading for Apple Watch devices was revealed during the opening keynote at the event using an example of an Apple Watch being used to connect with gym equipment.

Apple introduced support for NFC card emulation with the launch of Apple Pay on the iPhone 6 and 6S in September 2014 (cf. Smart Insights Weekly #14-38). Until now, however, Apple devices have been unable to operate in any other mode.

Apple Pay to add P2P payments to iMessage through iOS 11

Apple Pay users across the US will soon be able to make peer-to-peer (P2P) money transfers to friends and family using a new feature set to be integrated into Apple’s iMessage platform through the latest iOS 11 operating system. The feature will also bring an Apple Pay Cash card account to the mobile payment service, which will enable users to make in-store purchases.

Apple Pay users will be able to make and receive payments within Messages or by telling Siri to pay someone using a credit or debit card they already have in their Apple Wallet. When users get paid, they receive the money in their Apple Pay Cash account.

The P2P feature and Apple Pay Cash will only be available in the US at launch.

The iPhone’s camera app can now read QR codes

The iOS Camera app will be able to recognize QR codes within iOS 11, reported Macrumors. On current iterations of iOS, users have to find and download a third-party QR code scanning application if they wish to use their iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to scan a code.

When iOS 11 launches in the fall, the Camera app will natively provide a QR scanning function to all users. Some beta users have taken to Twitter to share a glimpse of the feature in action, and it appears expectedly straightforward: open the Camera app, point the iOS device at a QR code, and tap on the drop-down notification to act upon it.

Some examples that have been shared include joining a Wi-Fi network, adding someone to contacts, and - presumably - any other scanning opportunities currently offered by QR code technology. The feature is turned on by default, but can be toggled on/off within the Camera section of the Settings app.