Most people make smartphone contactless payments daily without thinking about it, but a next-gen version of the tech is now en route for iPhones and Android phones.

🌟 Introducing Multi-Purpose Tap

The NFC Forum, which counts Apple, Google, Qualcomm, and Sony among its board members, has just outlined a new version of the tap-to-pay tech called Multi-Purpose Tap. This advancement aims to “revolutionize the contactless user experience,” though it will likely make shopping a bit more convenient, which is certainly a welcome improvement.

🛍️ Enhanced Features

As the name suggests, the Multi-Purpose Tap will allow users to accomplish multiple tasks with a single tap of a phone, going beyond simple payments. Here are some examples of what it can do:

• Loyalty Points and Promotions: Earn loyalty points or access promotions while making payments in shops.
• Age Verification: Automatically verify age when purchasing age-restricted items like alcohol.
• Travel Discounts: Receive discounts or concessions while buying travel tickets.
• Recycling Information: Get information about how products can be recycled and reused when purchasing goods.

While these features sound useful, there is a concern that Multi-Purpose Tap could also lead to unwanted marketing alerts or related information being sent to phones during payments. Therefore, customizable settings on iPhones and Android phones will be essential to protect user privacy and ensure a positive experience.

🛒 Benefits for Shoppers and Shops

Some of the benefits of Multi-Purpose Tap include:

• No More Loyalty Cards: Eliminate the need to carry separate loyalty cards.
• Paperless Receipts: Reduce the wait for paper receipts to be printed, minimizing friction in shopping.

These small upgrades could enhance shopping experiences and be advantageous for shops as well.

⏳ When to Expect Multi-Purpose Tap

Currently, there is no expected launch timeframe for Multi-Purpose Tap to roll out, as it’s still in its early “first overview” stage. The NFC Forum has been asked for an estimate and will provide updates once available.

This next-gen technology promises to significantly improve daily transactions, making them more seamless and efficient.