Rumor: Apple smartwatch gets NFC for mobile payments

New rumors indicate that Apple is planning to build in NFC functionality for its yet-to-be-released smartwatch. This should make it possible to make payments via the smart watch. There would also be two versions, both with OLED screens.

According to The Wall Street Journal, which is known to have sources at Apple, the long-awaited smartwatch should receive support for making payments to purchase products and services. That would work with the short-range nfc technology, which is now mainly used in smartphones. The presence of NFC in the smartwatch probably also means that new iPhones will have this, something that several previous rumors also pointed out.

The Apple smartwatch will allow users to make purchases using linked credit cards, the details of which are stored in iTunes, according to The Wall Street Journal sources. The payment function corresponds to earlier rumors that appeared about a payment service from Apple. The service would be set up with support for Mastercard, Visa and American Express. The service should become a competitor to Google’s Wallet and make payments via the iPhone, and therefore presumably also Apple’s smartwatch.

The Wall Street Journal states that the Apple smartwatch will be available in two sizes. Both variants would be equipped with an OLED screen and usual features, such as tracking fitness and health data, would be present. Earlier rumors indicated that Apple is considering asking $400 for its smartwatch, but that cheaper versions would also come. It is still unclear what the further differences are between the models, except for the dimensions.

Apple is likely to announce two new iPhones on September 9, just like the new smartwatch. However, the Apple watch will probably not be available until sometime next year, although it is likely that it will start taking pre-orders earlier.