NFC coming soon with greater range

The NFC Forum has officially unveiled the new version of the NFC Release 15 standard, which brings four times the range for contactless connections – from the previous 0.5 cm to 2 cm. This update will significantly simplify contactless payments, connecting devices and unlocking doors with a smartphone, smartwatch or smart ring.

The main benefit of the extended range is the greater tolerance for alignment between the NFC chip and the terminal. This will be especially useful on smaller devices, where it is often awkward to hit the exact point for connection. In addition, systems like Apple Pay will now launch faster, meaning more reliable and faster contactless payments.

While some existing devices already support a slightly greater range than the official 5mm, the NFC Forum emphasizes that Release 15 “redefines the baseline” for the future of the technology. The new specification is essential for more demanding applications where high reliability and a wider operating range are important – for example, when simultaneously making a payment, receiving a digital receipt and collecting loyalty points through a single contactless interaction.

Release 15 is currently available to NFC Forum high-level members, including Apple, Google, Sony, and Huawei, who will be the first to implement it in their devices. Certification for the general public is expected in the fall. It is not yet known whether the upgrade will also be available for existing devices.