Apple's latest iOS 13 update will include NFC ID scanning capabilities in certain nations.
Apple's iOS 13, released in 2019, marked a significant milestone in expanding the use of Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities, going beyond just payment features. This enhancement allowed apps to scan NFC-enabled identity documents and other tags, paving the way for ID scanning on iPhones.
With iOS 13, Germany is planning to create a new version of the AusweissApp2, enabling users to scan their official government IDs using their iPhone. Japan, too, is set to follow suit, allowing users to scan their Japanese national ID cards into their iPhones.
The ability to scan ID cards via NFC on iPhones is not a new concept for Android devices, which have been capable of using NFC for functions beyond Apple Pay for several years. In fact, similar functionality has been available on Android phones in Japan for some time.
iPhones have had NFC chips since the iPhone 6, but their usage was previously limited to making purchases with Apple Pay. With the expansion of NFC capabilities in iOS 13, users can now benefit from third-party applications such as ID, ePass, and eVisum for security checks at international airports.
The release of iOS 13 is expected later this fall, and with it, the potential for broader adoption of NFC-based ID scanning. However, the exact timeline and countries planning to utilize this feature are yet to be confirmed.
It's worth noting that the digital version of the Japanese national ID card can already be used for official purposes like taxes or medical forms. This new development in iPhone functionality is set to make everyday tasks even more convenient for users.
As the world continues to digitize, the integration of NFC technology into everyday devices like smartphones is a testament to the ongoing evolution of technology and its potential to simplify our lives.
[1] Macerkopf Report [3] Nikkei Report
- "Gizmodo" might cover the story about how the update in iOS 13, especially the expanded NFC capabilities, is likely to revolutionize tech by enabling iPhone users to scan their official government IDs, as Germany and Japan are planning to roll out new versions of their official ID apps.
- As the integration of NFC technology into smartphones, such as iPhones, continues to grow (as evident with the upcoming iOS 13), "Tech" and "technology" in the future might offer more convenient ways to manage official documents, like ID cards, making everyday tasks even simpler, following the example set by Android devices and Japan's digital national ID card system.
