Apple May Be Bringing RFID to the iPhone

November 6th, 2009 at 11:19 AM - Rumor by Jeff Gamet

Apple has apparently been testing prototype versions of the next generation iPhone with RFID support built-in. If true, the next iPhone hardware update could lets users interact with other RFID-enabled devices. News of Apple's RFID tests appeared on the Linkdin Near Field Communications Group page, according to Near Field Communications World.RFID is a technology that uses radio waves to identify items, and right now is used by some companies to track product inventory.
"A highly reliable source has informed me that Apple has built some prototypes of the next gen iPhone with an RFID reader built in and they have seen it in action," Einar Rosenberg said in the Linkdin group. "So its not full NFC but its a start for real service discovery and I'm told that the reaction was very positive that we can expect this in the next gen iPhone." Einar Rosenberg runs the NFC Group on Linkdin.

Adding RFID support to the iPhone would let the combination iPod and smartphone share data and perform other functions by bringing the handheld into very close proximity of other RFID-enabled devices.

Testing a prototype doesn't necessarily mean RFID support will be included in the next generation iPhone, but the idea of could enable new ways of using the iPhone with other devices.

"Guess I'll be touching my iPhone to my Mac to link them together to sync iTunes by next year," Mr. Rosenberg said.

see also Icarte

" I am thinking of a gadgets like the iCarte (www.icarte.ca), an RFID reader attachment for the iPhone 3G and 3GS, which can report the thread count on a set of silk sheets, for example, or skim the show times off movie posters, by reading the RFID (radio frequency identification) tags embedded in those items.

I said the iCarte is a reader. But it is also a writer, and it complies with multiple RFID payment standards. That is sure to make the gadget a hit with wireless hackers and iPhone app developers."

Mario Di Floriano

Mario Di Floriano is managing director of Eximia, a leading supplier of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) business solutions that enables companies to improve their operating efficiency throughout their supply chains. Eximia is a Solution Provider with the competences to providing turn-keys, tailored solutions. Their approach covers all necessary steps to ensure a seamless deployment of RFID solutions: from architectural design and development of prototypes to vendor selection (hardware, software and middleware), and full deployment as well as maintenance and ongoing support.

Eximia

Rob van Kranenburg

Rob van Kranenburg wrote the ‘The Internet of Things’ and co-organized the DIFR (a broad range of pro and anti RFID positions) network in the Netherlands. He works one day a week for Professor Ben Schouten at Fontys Ambient Intelligence in Eindhoven as member of the Lectoraat. He is the Founder of Council.

The Internet of Things

Adam Greenfield

Adam Greenfield is head of design direction for service and user-interface design at Nokia. He has written and consulted widely on issues at the intersection of design, technology and culture. Since 2006 he co-teaches co-teaching a class called Urban Computing at NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications program with Kevin Slavin of area/code. His first book, Everyware: The dawning age of ubiquitous computing, can be purchased from Amazon. He lives and works in Helsinki with his wife, Nurri Kim.

Everyware

Apple May Be Bringing RFID to the iPhone

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