We’re just days away from Apple’s big media event on September 9th, but it looks like the walls are already beginning to crumble. Sources have confirmed to The Wall Street Journal that Apple is planning to include short-range wireless technology (or NFC) in its upcoming smartwatch, focusing heavily on the future of digital payments on mobile devices.
This not only confirms what many had assumed about future Apple devices, it also signals that Apple is looking to do more with its wearable than just health and fitness. NFC will be present on the iPhone 6 too, allowing the two devices to communicate in a simplified manner. NFC will be key to the tap-to-pay initiative as well, allowing users to pay for things with credit cards stored in their devices.
Another interesting note: the smartwatch will apparently come in two sizes. Both will feature a curved OLED display and sensors to track health and fitness data.
The source believes that Apple will unveil both the new iPhone models and the smartwatch last week, but as has been repeatedly affirmed by rumors and analysis, there’s no clear indication of when the wearable will be available to purchase. Although those familiar with Apple’s plans say the company was originally targeting a November release for the smartwatch, engineering issues have made a 2014 release unlikely.
So you might not be able to get your hands on the iWatch this year, but the sources believe that Apple will let consumers preorder the device before it launches.
