If you ask two people about whether the next iPhone will have NFC capabilities, you're likely to get three different answers. The New York Times has weighed in the opinion of two people "with knowledge of the inner workings of a coming iteration of the Apple iPhone" -- and say that, yes, the iPhone will have NFC.
NFC stands for Near Field Communications, and is essentially a smarter super-RFID system, which would allow you to, say, swipe your phone when getting your morning coffee, rather than your credit card. Widespread support of the tech would be a big deal, and the word is that in an upcoming version of the iPhone -- maybe the iPhone 5, maybe the iPhone 6 -- you'll be able to buy things buy pointing your phone at them. Supposedly when this happens your purchase will appear on your iTunes account, which will then go to your credit card account.
For a full accounting of the state of NFC as the major platforms see it, read the New York Times article here.
Mr. Happypants
March 21, 2011 at 1:15pm
Hmmmmm, I just saw an article saying the complete opposite over the weekend. Have to find it a home, can't recall the source. Regardless it'll be well into 2012 before devices start appearing that can handle this tech.
brianhogg
March 22, 2011 at 5:52am
Yeah, there are as many stories saying it won't happen as there are saying it will.
