Apple may be working with chipmaker NXP Semiconductors NV to implement NFC technology into the iPhone 6.
NFC (near-field communications) allows phone users to pay by touch with their handsets, as well as other functions such as changing the state of the handset when it is swiped over NFC stickers. NFC also allows data to be exchanged between phones.
The Financial Times first reported the news, citing people familiar with the matter.
Dutch chipmaker NXP supplies secure NFC, and it is expected the technology will appear on the iPhone 6 which is set to be announced on September 9th.
Apple confirmed it would be holding a special launch event in Cupertino on that date, and the company sent out invitations containing the date to media attendees, with the taunting additional line: "wish we could say more", lacking the usual clues or hints often present in its previous event invites.
News of the upcoming releases sent share prices in the company to a record high last week, showing the widespread commercial appeal of both Apple and its products, with anything announced in two weeks time likely to continue this.
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