Stablecoin issuer Circle is set to enable the tap-to-pay feature using USDC on Apple iPhones. On August 14, CEO Jeremy Allaire highlighted a recent announcement from Apple, which allows third-party developers to integrate the iPhone’s Near Field Communication (NFC) chip into their applications.

The NFC chip facilitates short-range wireless communication between devices, typically within a few centimeters. This enables contactless data exchange, such as making payments or sharing files, by creating a secure connection between NFC-enabled devices.

Circle aims to leverage this feature, previously limited to Apple-native platforms like Apple Wallet and Apple Pay. According to Allaire, cryptocurrency wallets on iPhones using this feature will be able to receive information such as the blockchain address that will accept USDC or the amount to pay from a point-of-sale device.

“Wallet developers should start using the latest Apple iOS SDKs that support this and ready their apps for USDC Tap to Pay. PoS hardware/software companies should update firmware to send/receive these NFC instructions and work with their Payment Processors to ensure native USDC settlement support.”

The transaction will be secured using Apple’s biometric verification process, such as FaceID, strengthened by Apple’s Secure Element—dedicated hardware in Apple devices that stores sensitive information isolated from the rest of the device’s hardware and operating system.

Allaire explained that this feature could be used alongside a “high-performance and low-fee” blockchain network to enable “direct-to-merchant USDC payments.” He also noted that the feature’s usability extends beyond USDC and could be implemented for other NFT and stablecoin-based applications.

Apple’s latest SDK update is set to debut in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and Brazil. The tech giant has typically kept its distance from the cryptocurrency space and has imposed various restrictions on applications linked to the sector. Last year, the company faced criticism for its policy of charging a 30% commission on in-app sales of NFTs made through the App Store.

Previously, Apple blocked the social media platform Damus, which featured a Bitcoin tipping option. According to Apple, the tipping feature violated App Store policies, which mandate using Apple’s in-app payments.

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