#AppleCryptoUpdate 📰 News: Apple Opens NFC Access to Third-Party Developers in iOS 18.1

Apple has announced the iOS 18.1 update, which will allow third-party developers to access the NFC chip and Secure Element (SE) on iPhones, enabling new capabilities for contactless transactions without the need for Apple Pay or Apple Wallet (apple.com).

🔑 Key Features:

• Contactless Transactions via NFC: Developers will be able to create apps that support contactless transactions such as payments, access control (e.g., doors), membership cards, and more using the highly secure SE chip (cryptonews.net).

• USDC Support: The update allows stablecoins like USDC to be used in contactless transactions on iPhones, making it easier to integrate cryptocurrencies into everyday life.

• Security and Privacy: Apple ensures that this new solution provides a secure way for developers to offer contactless transactions, leveraging Apple’s hardware and software technologies such as Secure Enclave and biometric authentication (apple.com).

🌍 Availability:

This feature will be available in countries like Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the UK, and the US, with a planned rollout in October 2024 (apple.com).