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AT&T brings NFC and mobile payments to the iPhone

Updated Dec 19th, 2018 8:45PM EST
Incipio Cashwrap iPhone Isis NFC Case

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AT&T is apparently getting ready to launch an iPhone accessory that will turn the smartphone into an Isis-ready, NFC-enabled device. Even though the iPhone doesn’t actually have a near field communication (NFC) chip inside, which would allow users to use the device for NFC mobile payments, a leaked image provided by Engadget shows a special iPhone case – the Incipio Cashwrap – which contains a micro-NFC chip complete with a secure element that could be used for wireless payments via the Isis service.

In addition to the hardware, which will reportedly retail for $70 when it launches, users interested in Isis-based mobile payments will also have to install a free application, the Isis Mobile Wallet. However, a launch date for the Cashwrap cases is not available at this time.

Purported Incipio Cashwrap retail packaging | Image credit: Engadget

Isis is a wireless payment service backed up by AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon in the U.S., although it’s not clear whether these iPhone cases will also be available from the other two carriers. The Cashwrap was officially unveiled at CES 2014, with Incipio announcing only iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 cases at the time. According to the original press release, the Cashwrap cases should launch in March, but Engadget says the accessory is already listed in AT&T’s inventory.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.