1. Apple Opens NFC Chips to Third-Party Developers
2. Jeremy Allaire’s Announcement
3. Opportunities for Developers and POS System Providers

Circle’s CEO, Jeremy Allaire, announced plans to introduce tap-and-go payments using USDC on iPhones. Apple’s decision to open its secure payment chips to third-party developers will now allow blockchain-based payments to integrate into iOS devices.

Apple Opens NFC Chips to Third-Party Developers

Apple stated that third-party developers will now be able to use its NFC chip and Secure Element (SE) on iOS devices. Previously, these components were only available for Apple Wallet and Apple Pay applications.

Jeremy Allaire’s Announcement

Jeremy Allaire announced this development on X, stating: 'Tap to pay using USDC on iPhones incoming soon. Wallet devs, start your engines.'

Opportunities for Developers and POS System Providers

Allaire highlighted that this new capability could allow iOS wallet apps supporting USDC to process transactions via NFC. For example, a point-of-sale system could communicate with an iPhone to accept USDC payments, with the wallet app prompting the user to confirm the transaction.

This announcement from Circle and Apple opens new opportunities for integrating blockchain-based payments into the everyday use of iOS devices.