Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire has hinted at the upcoming introduction of tap-and-go payments using USDC on iPhones, following Apple's decision to allow third-party developers access to its secure payment chips.
This move paves the way for blockchain-based payment functionality on Apple devices.
New Possibilities for iPhone Payments
Allaire shared his excitement on social media, announcing that iPhone users will soon be able to make payments using USDC by simply tapping their devices.
Apple's decision to open up its NFC chip and Secure Element (SE) will enable developers to integrate these capabilities into their apps, making it possible for users to conduct blockchain transactions directly from their iPhones.
“Combining this with high-performance and low-fee blockchain networks (most these days), this will open up a powerful pathway for direct to merchant USDC payments.”
How It Works
Previously, only Apple’s Wallet app and Apple Pay could utilise the NFC chip on iPhones.
Now, third-party apps will be able to offer similar functionality. For instance, a point-of-sale terminal could send a blockchain address and payment amount to an iPhone.
The user could then confirm the transaction using FaceID, and the payment would be settled on the blockchain using USDC.
Expanding Use Cases
Beyond USDC payments, Allaire noted that Apple’s new APIs could enable a range of other blockchain-based applications, including non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for tickets and other digital certificates.
This development is expected to drive broader adoption of crypto payments and blockchain technology.
Geographic Availability
The APIs will initially be available to developers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
However, Apple has not yet included the European Union in this rollout, leaving out its 27 member nations for the time being.
Competing Developments
Meanwhile, MetaMask has announced a partnership with Mastercard and Baanx to pilot a self-custody debit card in the UK and EU, allowing users to pay for everyday items directly from their crypto wallets.
This move reflects the growing interest in integrating cryptocurrency with traditional payment methods.