Apple is going to let developers offer in-app NFC transactions using the Secure Element starting with iOS 18.1, and as part of the update, you’ll also be able to set a default contactless payment app that’s accessible when you double-click your iPhone’s side button. Previously, Apple has only allowed Apple Pay to appear when you double-click that button.
With this change, developers will be able to offer in-app contactless transactions for a wide variety of apps, including “in-store payments, car keys, closed-loop transit, corporate badges, student IDs, home keys, hotel keys, merchant loyalty and rewards cards, and event tickets.” Until now, NFC access for third-party apps has been limited to reading tags.
Apple’s press release says that…