
It's a subject we've broached for well over two years now - the issue of Near Field Communications (NFC) technology coming to a next-generation iPhone. Although rumors have suggested that the previous two generations could have delivered this emerging technology, only now are we seeing visual evidence to suggest a strong possibility of such a development in time for the 6th-gen model.
On Sunday, Chinese news site Apple.pro published this supposed picture (along with others) of the next-gen iPhone in pre-assembled disarray. Of the pieces available for viewing in these shots, we're told that the photographic evidence shows that NFC technology is being implemented in the forthcoming iPhone refresh.
While the veracity of the images cannot be officially confirmed by Apple or anyone of high credibility inside of the Apple supply and production chains, we're told that the new images - which appear to be the front assembly for Apple's new iPhone - reveal an unusual component that's never been observed on a previous iPhone model. As a result, many believe this is an NFC device of some variety.
Ever since June, when Apple teased its upcoming “Passbook” app through iOS 6, rumors have swirled that NFC’s arrival on the iPhone is imminent. If so, it shouldn't be a great shocker to anyone that Apple wants to tap into this emerging technology. After all, Juniper Research estimates that the NFC retail payments market will top $180 billion by 2017.
Source: Apple.pro (via Apple Insider)
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