NFC

NFCWriter X lets hobbyists and tinkerers unlock the iPhone’s full NFC potential

Anthony Bouchard ∙ October 27, 2018

Just over a year ago, iOS developer Elias Limneos announced a ground-breaking jailbreak tweak called NFCWriter that enabled iPhone users to tap into the full potential of the NFC (Near Field Communication) chip embedded within their handset. This week, Limneos continues that fun with NFCWriter X for iOS, which can only be described as the latest iteration of the tweak.

NFCWriter X for iOS is intended for advanced users and tinkerers with an interest in playing around with NFC tags, Credit/Debit Cards, MRTD documents, and more directly from your iPhone. Nearly anything with NFC support can be tinkered with by NFCWriter X for iOS.

New iPhones can read NFC tags in the background, no app needed whatsoever

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 14, 2018

The new iPhone Xs and Xs Max, as well as a colorful family of the new iPhone Xr handsets, include advancements in near-field communication (NFC) technology that allow the handsets to automatically read nearby NDEF (NFC Data Exchange Format) tags and send any collected assets to appropriate apps without needing to open any specific app beforehand.

iPhone could eventually replace your driving license or passport

Bryan M. Wolfe ∙ August 9, 2018

The United States Patent and Trademark Office has published an Apple patent application first filed in March for a "Document importation into secure element." The process envisioned could allow your iPhone to replace your driving license, membership card, passport, or another identification document.

Apple is using NFC with Face ID or Touch ID to authenticate WWDC 2018 passes

Christian Zibreg ∙ June 4, 2018

WWDC 2018 attendees are in for a treat as Apple for the first time has paired NFC technology with the Face ID or Touch ID biometric feature to authenticate their digital WWDC pass in the Wallet app.

Apple is set to unlock new NFC features in iOS 12

Bryan M. Wolfe ∙ May 26, 2018

Apple is said to be “making a significant change” to NFC, or near-field communication in iOS 12. In doing so, the wireless protocol, first introduced with the iPhone 6, could move beyond Apple Pay payments, according to The Information.

GymKit launches in New York City ahead of a wider rollout in 2018

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 11, 2017

Following its debut in Australia in November and subsequent expansion in the United Kingdom last week, Apple's all-new GymKit platform for wireless workout data sharing between Apple Watch and compatible cardio machines has now officially arrived to New York City.

NFCWriter tweak unlocks your iPhone NFC capabilities

Anthony Bouchard ∙ June 29, 2017

At the beginning of May, iOS developer Limneos started tinkering with the iPhone’s NFC chip to allow it talk to third-party NFC tags and accessories that Apple has never allowed its system to talk to before.

At the time, it was just a work in progress and a proof of concept, but Limneos has officially released a new jailbreak tweak in Cydia dubbed NFCWriter that unlocks the full potential of your NFC chip for everyone. It's the first time that the chip has been hacked to this extent, and it opens a whole new realm of possibilities.

iPhone hacked by jailbreak developer to interact with NFC devices

Anthony Bouchard ∙ May 19, 2017

iPhones have come equipped with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology since the iPhone 6 launched in 2014. NFC's primary use in the iPhone is for Apple Pay and allows contactless payments via supported merchants at the point of sale.

On the other hand, well-known jailbreak developer Elias Limneos was tinkering with iPhone NFC on his spare time and managed to hack it to work in ways that are typically locked off by Apple out of the box.

Apple’s mysterious wireless device is just a door access system

Christian Zibreg ∙ March 20, 2017

Multiple filings for an unannounced wireless device with the model number A1844 which Apple recently made with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have caused quite a commotion, more so in light of Bloomberg's claims that an Amazon Echo-like appliance powered by Siri was in prototype testing. The mysterious device has turned out to be nothing more than a wireless door access system.

As per Business Insider, the device was likely designed for the new Apple Park headquarters opening to employees in April.

Apple submits third FCC filing for its mystery Bluetooth and NFC device

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 13, 2017

Apple has submitted its third filing for a mystery Bluetooth and NFC device with the US Federal Communications Commission (FTC). The original “Wireless Device” was first uncovered in an FCC filing back in September 2016, with a second appearance last month.

The latest update concerns a device with the model number A1845 and is generally similar to Apple's prior submissions. The filing doesn't seem to be for Apple's rumored Siri-powered appliance akin to Amazon Echo wireless speakers because it lacks built-in Wi-Fi.

A mysterious wireless Apple device with Bluetooth and NFC has surfaced in an FCC filing

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 23, 2016

A mysterious low-powered wireless device from Apple has just passed testing by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and could be released in the United States in the next few months, according to an FCC filing that was first spotted by French blog Consomac.

It's designated by the model number “A1844”, includes both Bluetooth wireless functionality and built-in NFC and is rated at between 100mA and 700mA (from 5.5V to 13.2V).

Future Fitbit devices to gain support for NFC-based contactless payment technology

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 19, 2016

Fitbit, which makes fitness accessories, activity trackers and other wearable devices, just acquired payments hardware firm Coin, signaling its intent to enrich its product lineup with contactless payment features. That's right, your next Fitbit fitness tracker may let you pay for in-store purchases.