iPhone 5 may not feature NFC technology

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Anandtech investigates NFC technology and the iPhone 5

Apple has remained quiet as to its plans with NFC technology and the iPhone 5. When images showing off the front assembly of the iPhone 5 were leaked earlier this week, many concluded that the issue had been laid to rest and that the mobile device would include the technology. Some technology companies have published reports concerning the matter, claiming that the iPhone 5 will not be equipped with NFC technology when it is released. Anandtech, an online computer magazine, took a closer look at what could stop Apple from bringing NFC technology to consumers.

Slim design may prevent inclusion of NFC chip

The iPhone 5 boasts of a slim design. While this design may make it easier to handle and less cumbersome than its predecessors, it does not lend itself well to bulky components. Leaked photos suggest that the iPhone 5 will be equipped with an NFC chip, which will allow the device to interact with a variety of NFC-based services, such as mobile commerce. NFC chips are not known to be exceedingly thin, however, and may not be able to find a place in the iPhone 5’s already cramped structure. Anandtech notes that the device’s structure is the nail in the coffin in regards to speculation concerning the device’s NFC capabilities.

NFC speculation triggered by Passbook

Much of the speculation concerning the iPhone 5 and NFC technology comes from Apple’s introduction of the Passbook application, which will be the backbone of the upcoming iOS 6 operating system. Apple has been keen to attract attention to the Passbook, but has not announced whether the application will be included in the iPhone 5 or future generations of the device. Passbook generated hype amongst Apple fans because the application is reliant on NFC technology.

Apple may not be a competitor in m-commerce

Apple itself has said that it will be approaching the matter of NFC technology cautiously because of concerns regarding its use in commerce. The company had been pegged as a chief competitor with Google, who is already immersed in the mobile commerce industry. If the iPhone 5 is not equipped with NFC technology, however, the company is not likely to have a strong presence in the industry until later in the future.

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