In June, Apple announced the astonishing latest iteration of iOS (iOS 11). The latest mobile OS has an incredible new feature which unlocks a whole new world of innovation in the mobile-based Internet of Things domain. Apple iOS 11 allows developers to use NFC and read NFC tags for different apps. Before this, NFC was a closed, ecosystem-based feature which was not openly accessible by mobile developers.
What is Core NFC
Apple has developed a platform called “Core NFC” which will allow developers to read near field communication tags that are compatible with NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF). This is something thousands of developers were waiting for. According to a survey conducted by Evans Data Corporation, over 78 percent of developers said they planned to write software for IoT devices. Similarly, 45% of the surveyed developers said they want to amalgamate the development processes for mobile and IoT for optimization of results.
What Will Change after Core NFC in iOS 11
So what’s the importance of open source NFC in iOS 11? Well, developers can now use Apple’s state of the art NFC library to integrate it in IoT systems like home security apps and locking systems.
Hilton Hotels: A Case in Point
Take the example of Virginia-based Hilton Hotels, which is using NFC-based security in its smartphone-based locking system. The Hotel is using this technology in over 1700 branches of its brand in the US and Canada. The system has been used for more than 11 million times. And guess what, there hasn’t been a single hacking or security breach incident. With an open availability of Apple NFC technology, we can predict a very secure development of smart home and payment systems.
It is important to note the companies like Hilton Hotels which were using standalone NFC technologies had spent millions of dollars on the development and stress testing of their systems. But Apple NFC access will be easy and free for IoT developers.
Effect on Payment Systems
The launch of NFC in iOS 11 for developers will also play a key role in the development and integration of payment systems. Previously, Apple’s NFC supported contactless payments powered by Apple Pay. But now developers will be able to initiate IoT integration and develop useful systems for smart and hassle-free payments.
A Fundamental Shift in the IoT Industry
Apple’s Core NFC will have far-reaching consequences in the IoT world. According to NFC Forum’s executive director Paula Hunter, a majority of 36 billion objects connected to the Internet will use NFC tags in one way or the other by the end of 2020. Hunter says that Apple’s making of NFC open source as a platform will result in a “fundamental shift” in the IoT industry.
