Brafton has reported that Starbucks launched a new mobile payment system last week for select devices, including the iPhone. Now, it seems Apple may be readying its mobile devices for on-the-go payments, and marketers might like that this development could prepare Apple mobile users for m-commerce.
Bloomberg reports that Apple is working on near-field communication technology that can transfer and receive information up to 4 inches away. This service will ideally be included in the next generation of the iPhone and iPad, both to be introduced later this year.
Consumers would be able to use their Apple devices to send payment info to terminals. Essentially, they could use their phones and tablets to make purchases at stores and restaurants.
Richard Doherty, director of consulting firm Envisioneering Group, told the source there are a number of institutions working on similar mobile payment technology. Still, he says, “Apple could be the game-changer.”
This could mean that businesses will see people whipping out their Apple devices instead of their credit cards to make in-store payments, and it could also mean that shoppers will be more comfortable making purchases on their phones in the near future. This indicates that mobile ad campaigns could translate into instant conversions.
With this development on the horizon, m-commerce may be on the rise. As Brafton has reported, industry leaders expect mobile users to spend $19 billion by 2015.
