IPhone 5 to support NFC?
We're months out from a new iPhone release so it must be time to speculate on whether the next iteration of the handset will include NFC support. Expectations are that Apple will show off the new device sometime in September, but even that is rank speculation at this point.
Rumors were rampant that the last iPhone, the 4S, would include NFC, including reports from news outlet Bloomberg. Obviously, those turned out to be groundless, but hope springs eternal in the hearts of NFC boosters that the next iPhone will support NFC in order for the technology to finally reach its destined "tipping point."
Therefore, expect plenty of speculation that this time, Apple really will support the technology.
Snark aside, it's tech site 9to5Mac.com starting the rumor this time and it may be onto something.
9to5Mac.com has had a good record of predicting what Apple is going to to do. For instance, the site recently predicted that the new iOS 6 mobile operating system would have the Passbook mobile wallet-type app on it. And it's basing its predictions on actual pictures of prototypes of the iPhone 5 it obtained, showing what looks to be an antennae embedded in the case. (The original pictures posted are here.)
Along with Apple's many recent NFC patents, there does seem to be a preponderance of evidence suggesting the company will include NFC in its next iPhone.
If it does come to pass that NFC is included on the iPhone, all of the current NFC naysayers, of course, will say they knew it was only a matter of time before Apple changed the NFC game with its entrance into the market.
For more on this, visit the Contactless/NFC research enter.