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Apple announced today that developers will soon be able to offer NFC transactions in their own apps for the first time, something that is currently primarily exclusive to Apple Pay. Starting with iOS 18.1 later this year, developers will be able to use a new API to offer in-app contactless transactions independent of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet.

This will open up new possibilities for in-store payments, car keys, transportation, corporate badges, student ID cards, home keys, hotel keys, merchant membership and loyalty cards, event tickets, and future government ID cards. The API uses the Secure Enclave inside the iPhone, a certified chip that stores sensitive information directly on the device itself.

Users can directly open an app with these APIs, or set it as the default contactless app in Settings, and then double-click the Side button to initiate a transaction.

Developers need to apply for NFC and Secure Enclave permissions, sign a business agreement with Apple, and pay related fees. Apple said this will ensure that only authorized developers who meet specific regulatory and industry requirements and commit to complying with Apple's security and privacy standards can access the API.

Developers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States can use NFC and Secure Enclave APIs in the upcoming iOS 18.1 developer seed, with developers in more regions to follow.