Apple lock iPhone 6 NFC to Apple Pay

Glenn · Sep 16, 2014, 21:04:31

After months of speculation, Apple finally came good on rumours of NFC functionality at last week's launch of the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and Apple Watch. However, the NFC capability on the new devices is set to be locked down for use only with Apple Pay mobile payments.

http://www.cnet.com/news/apple-locks-down-iphone-6-nfc-to-apple-pay/#ftag=CADf328eec

Simon · Sep 16, 2014, 21:25:18

And it's not available in the UK yet. Luckily, that's not one of the reasons I'm looking at the 6.

Gary · Sep 17, 2014, 07:56:32

Quote from: Glenn on Sep 16, 2014, 21:04:31
After months of speculation, Apple finally came good on rumours of NFC functionality at last week's launch of the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and Apple Watch. However, the NFC capability on the new devices is set to be locked down for use only with Apple Pay mobile payments.

http://www.cnet.com/news/apple-locks-down-iphone-6-nfc-to-apple-pay/#ftag=CADf328eec

Typical Apple and typically cr*p, NFC for photos etc would have been great

Steve · Sep 17, 2014, 08:39:02

Must admit I've got it on my Nexus 5 but never used it.

Gary · Sep 17, 2014, 08:44:04

Quote from: Steve on Sep 17, 2014, 08:39:02
Must admit I've got it on my Nexus 5 but never used it.

I have NFC on my Panasonic TZ40 and it would have been great to take pics straight off camera to iPhone. I now have the cash for a new phone, and I have no idea what I want. Rumours flyng around now say the iPhone 6 Plus has 1GB ram, and tbh as I have said before 2Gb would make apps and safari run better. Especially on iPad. 1Gb in 2014 is minimal no matter how optimised the OS is, its no longer enough for the iPad and the iPhone could do with an upgrade too. I'll wait for reviews, see whats bad whats good and see if ill sit on my cash till the 6S

Steve · Sep 17, 2014, 08:52:05

It would be better for me if Apple explained the reasoning behind this,in someways I do wonder whether with all the hype of a new iPhone release is it becoming a bit like the 'emperor's new clothes'.

Gary · Sep 17, 2014, 09:16:29

Quote from: Steve on Sep 17, 2014, 08:52:05
It would be better for me if Apple explained the reasoning behind this,in someways I do wonder whether with all the hype of a new iPhone release is it becoming a bit like the 'emperor's new clothes'.

It does feel like it, Steve. I like the size of my 5s but extra screen real estate would be great, although putting it in your pocket is easy with a smaller handset. If rumours are true, 1GB ram same as the 5 and 5S does not really impress me. The fact the 6 Plus has the better features annoys me, both phones should have been the same, then the 6 would have been fine for my usage as I have an ipad. having played with phablet sized phones now there will be issues putting a 6 plus in pockets etc when in my wheelchair, and really apart from NFC which is crippled and screen size what's actually new with the iPhone 6 that android handsets have not had for the last few years...

Simon · Sep 17, 2014, 13:24:48

The HTC One M8 is looking more and more attractive.

Gary · Sep 17, 2014, 13:31:32

Quote from: Simon on Sep 17, 2014, 13:24:48
The HTC One M8 is looking more and more attractive.

Thing is you may get one update two if you are lucky it would be better to get the Google play edition except its not available in the UK because thats a Nexus in a M8 shell so you will get pure android and updates as and when they come out, not 6 months later if at all. I think ill wait till next year when the 6S arrives I bet will have all the features the 6 Plus in the smaller screen variant and probably not have those hideous antennae breaks, and I bet it comes with 2GB ram as well.

pctech · Sep 17, 2014, 17:00:49

My Ace 3 has NFC but it's switched off for the moment as have no need for it.

Think building the functionality into credit and debit cards as they have is also asking for trouble.

Technical Ben · Sep 17, 2014, 21:50:47

Quote from: Steve on Sep 17, 2014, 08:52:05
It would be better for me if Apple explained the reasoning behind this,in someways I do wonder whether with all the hype of a new iPhone release is it becoming a bit like the 'emperor's new clothes'.

Royalties and patents no doubt.

Many products will skip little things just because of this. You could not get game controllers with a + shaped direction pad on them for ages as Nintendo owned the design (yep, they owned the design of a button shape http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D-pad).

nowster · Sep 18, 2014, 08:59:30

Quote from: pctech on Sep 17, 2014, 17:00:49
My Ace 3 has NFC but it's switched off for the moment as have no need for it.

Ditto on my Nexus 4. I very rarely use it, so it's switched off most of the time to reduce battery drain.

Gary · Sep 18, 2014, 09:31:37

Quote from: pctech on Sep 17, 2014, 17:00:49
My Ace 3 has NFC but it's switched off for the moment as have no need for it.

Think building the functionality into credit and debit cards as they have is also asking for trouble.

I agree. I have a faradaycage built into my wallet (special insert) so cards cannot be read with these chips in them

pctech · Sep 19, 2014, 20:01:11

Yep I have a lined wallet.

I did have a conversation with First Direct when I had to order a replacement debit card to see if I could get one without and they said no.

nowster · Sep 19, 2014, 21:14:48

You ought to be able to kill off the NFC loop with a hole punch at a strategic point.

Gary · Sep 20, 2014, 08:28:04

Looking on the Apple site the iPhone 6 has some issues with wifi, like not picking up networks or having bad speeds in landscape, Apple with each OS and each phone release seem to drop the bomb slightly. The 4S was still my favourite handset. http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1783971

Simon · Sep 20, 2014, 11:56:40

I'm starting to wonder whether to just get a 64Gb 4S to replace my 16Gb 4S, given that it's only really the storage capacity that I have an issue with at the moment. I could get a decent one for about £150, which would do me until the 6S comes out nest year. $:-\$

Gary · Sep 20, 2014, 13:23:23

Quote from: Simon on Sep 20, 2014, 11:56:40
I'm starting to wonder whether to just get a 64Gb 4S to replace my 16Gb 4S, given that it's only really the storage capacity that I have an issue with at the moment. I could get a decent one for about £150, which would do me until the 6S comes out nest year. $:-\$

You could get a 5 32GB for about the same and have iOS8 which will cover security issues that wont be patched in iOS 7 now

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Apple-iPhone-5-32GB-Black-Slate-Smartphone-UNLOCKED-/151412847714?pt=UK_Mobile_Phones&hash=item2340e8b462

Den · Sep 20, 2014, 14:50:25

I put IOS8 on my 4s with no problems, also on my iPad 2 and seems to work fine.

Simon · Sep 20, 2014, 14:55:59

Gary, I thought the 5s (Fives) had build quality issues? $:-\$

Lance · Sep 20, 2014, 17:56:56

Nothing wrong with my wife's iphone 5.

Gary · Sep 21, 2014, 07:57:29

Quote from: Simon on Sep 20, 2014, 14:55:59
Gary, I thought the 5s (Fives) had build quality issues? $:-\$

Mine was fine, first few off the production line has some nicks and chips in the anodising but they sorted that out quickly, I sold mine to my mum and its going strong. Great handset.

Gary · Sep 21, 2014, 08:04:22

Quote from: Den on Sep 20, 2014, 14:50:25
I put IOS8 on my 4s with no problems, also on my iPad 2 and seems to work fine.

It is a nice paper weight with iOS 8 isnt it, Den

Apple forums and many online magazines have said the screen is just to small now with the predictive text line showing, everything is to scrunched up Also its an OS designed for 1GB ram running on half that, same goes for the ipad 2. It cant use Metal without the 64 bit chip in the 5S and 6 saying that the 6 misses out on wifi right now

Den · Sep 21, 2014, 09:51:19

I just use it as a phone Gary so it works fine

The touch screen seems more responsive though. The iPad has most certainly improved though.

Gary · Sep 21, 2014, 10:05:45

Well my friend updated her 4S to iOS 8 and its like treacle now, so slow, and texting is silly the window is tiny with predictive on.

She is not happy. Reviews keep saying avoid doing it My 5S seems fine, still get the stacks-backboadd error but so is everyone else so I guess that will get fixed with an update. Wifi on the 6 glitch is only on WEP it seems so that should be not be an issue for most. Some people are complaining about build quality and screen uniformity, Apple cut down the number of LED's to make it super skinny so maybe thats why shadows and yellowing is occurring

. The Apple logo is not printed on the back this time but it is a separate piece which is raised so the phone does not lay flat, and they seem to get hot. Hopefully a first batch hiccup. As to the 4S http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/ios-8-download

Simon · Sep 21, 2014, 11:29:04

It's really difficult to know what to do, given the potential cost involved. There seem to be a number of possibly isolated, possibly temporary, glitches with the 6, which is disappointing given the cost, and if the build quality isn't that great, that's not a good sign. I don't know what this thing is about making everything as thin as possible. Personally, I'd rather have something with a substantial build, than something built to be aesthetically alluring, but ultimately not as robust. That said, you always get a number of complainers who still wouldn't be happy if the phone was made of solid gold, did everything in a nanosecond, had an operating system honed to perfection, and only cost £1.

The cheapest 'upgrade' option would seem to be to look for a decent 5, to perhaps tide me over until the 6S comes out, which may have ironed out any glitches with the 6, but it's a gamble buying a second hand phone, and the reason I didn't buy the 5 or 5S before is that I didn't think I'd like the taller shape. The 5S is too expensive for a used device.

The other options are to stick with the 4S (and iOS7, at least until 8.1 comes out), and use a second device (iPod Classic) for portable music. This means carrying two devices, which I wanted to avoid, but I guess at least it won't cost me anything and the iPod will still fit all my accessories. Or, look at moving from Apple, possibly to the HTC One M8 - but I think I'd regret it.

Gary · Sep 21, 2014, 13:13:11

With Apple products if you sell each year you get a good wedge back, if you leave it to long then you dont. The 5 and 5s were great phones. 6 is meh but if I did buy it id get more money back for a 6S then I would selling the 5S...hmm.

pctech · Sep 21, 2014, 15:24:47

If the new software is not screen area aware or doesn't adapt itself to the hardware it's running on then I would expect Apple devices to stop holding their value as who wants a phone or tablet running the latest software badly?

I mean, I thought Apple was all about user experience.

I guess they'll correct it with an update or maybe not.

Least they've had the good sense to leave the firmware on my iPod 6th Gen alone and the latest version of iTunes will still talk to it, the day it tells me it's too old I'll be firing off an e-mail to Tim Cook or Dr. Dre.

Glenn · Sep 21, 2014, 15:44:11

http://www.copytrans.net/ is your friend, my 2nd gen iPod works fine without the need for iTunes.

pctech · Sep 21, 2014, 19:44:39

Cheers.

Gary · Sep 22, 2014, 09:37:42

Sorted out my Dilemma, I bought a holiday instead

Simon · Sep 22, 2014, 09:54:14

Good for you!

I very nearly bought an iPhone 5 yesterday, then very nearly bought an HTC One M8, then also very nearly bought a Sony Xperia Z2 (but didn't like the flappy USB port cover). I still have my eye on another HTC One M8, but I'll probably end up getting the 6 at some point.

Simon · Sep 22, 2014, 14:00:30

I've just been doing a general search for 'iPhone 6 issues', and am coming across quite a few. Apparently the Bluetooth connection is flakey in some instances, the headphone jack is 'too tolerant' and causes cut outs, not to mention issues with Siri, plus we have the wifi problems already mentioned. Was this device really ready for release, or is this due to glitches in iOS 8? Whatever, I'm glad I haven't shelled out over £600 for something with so many teething troubles. You'd think Apple would have learned to get it right by now.

lozcart · Sep 22, 2014, 16:25:08

My iPhone 6 which I got on friday to replace the 5 is superb, no problems at all, the screen seems so much better than any iPhone (3GS,4,5) that I've had before.

Bluetooth didn't work to start with in the car, but a hard reset soon sorted that out.

Simon · Sep 22, 2014, 16:38:34

Possibly a stupid question, Loz, but was that a hard reset on the phone, or the car system? I've seen posts on the Apple forums complaining that Bluetooth kept disconnecting on a Porsche audio system.

Simon · Sep 22, 2014, 16:57:20

I think it's this that worries me most:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6545345

Simon · Sep 22, 2014, 17:09:27

Another thread worth watching:

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1784043

I feel like I'm turning into an Apple basher!

It's not that - I'd love to have one, but I don't want to be disappointed after paying over £600 for a device, if it doesn't work properly, or has build issues, such as the 'moving' screen or over heating. $:-\$

lozcart · Sep 22, 2014, 17:53:36

Quote from: Simon on Sep 22, 2014, 16:38:34
Possibly a stupid question, Loz, but was that a hard reset on the phone, or the car system? I've seen posts on the Apple forums complaining that Bluetooth kept disconnecting on a Porsche audio system.

The hard reset was on the phone Simon, it connected to the car (Jaguar XF) ok and streamed audio, the problem was when I made a phone call the audio wasn't coming through the cars speakers. As I say I hard reset (home and on/off button held down) and everything was fine.

I've had no wifi issues with the phone fine at work and home, my iPad Air on the other hand since upgrading to iOS8 seems a little flakey and hangs sometimes when trying to load a page, hopefully an update soon will fix it.

Simon · Sep 22, 2014, 18:19:54

My 4S has an intermittent Bluetooth connectivity issue with my Ford Galaxy. It won't stream audio at all (but I don't think it's supposed to), but it is supposed to enable handsfree for the phone. This works sometimes, but other times, a call can come in and I answer with the handsfree, but while I can hear the caller, they can't hear me. At that point, also, the audio from the headphone jack, which is connected to the car audio system, cuts out and won't restart without hard resetting the phone, AND completely shutting down the car audio, which involves stopping, getting out and locking the vehicle! Not too convenient at times. Ford reckon that the Bluetooth from the iPhone isn't fully compatible with the Ford audio, so I'm guessing that an even newer iPhone may create even more problems, if it will connect at all.

Gary · Sep 22, 2014, 20:13:52

My 5S worked perfectly in the 2012 Focus with bluetooth, Simon.

Apple are like any other company in this segment, but they are great at making you think you got something amazing when you didn't. The 6 and huge 6 Plus. NFC well that's been around for ages and most people dont use it. Bigger screens, been around for ages, and there are better screens out there still. The iPhone 6 has more processing power that most of will not notice.

On the 5S iOS 7 runs as fast as iOS 8 pretty much, as it should, it has the same amount of ram and that speed bump is not that noticeable in real world applications but looks great in numbers. So now we have bigger phones with features Android has had for years with a pathetic amount of ram, and we are told its a miracle and must have. Why? I like small phones, hell phones were getting smaller till we got smartphones. A phone to me is above all a phone. The 5S will run fine, the difference in speed wont make a jot of difference in the real world but it does in the marketing one and thats all that matters.

Smoke and mirrors endless upgrading to the next same thing, but with a tweak to tempt you. Hell I don't even need a bigger screen my phone fits in my denim jeans just fine. You want a phone that does the things you want and need, not what a company tells you you think you need, its as simple as that.

Simon · Sep 22, 2014, 20:51:21

That's all very true, Gary, but you have to admit, the intuitive functionality, usability and general compatability between Apple devices and the integration with iTunes is second to none. I've actually got two bids in for HTC One M8s at the moment (hope I only win one!

). I think I just need to satisfy my need for a change, and if I can't get on with it after a while, I can resell it and perhaps think again about the iPhone 6, which might have had the rough spots ironed out of it by then. If I like the M8, and can live with it for a year, I'll just hold on for the 6S.

Den · Sep 22, 2014, 22:09:38

Excellent post Gary and I could not agree more. In the end I want a phone to make phone calls and it must fit in my pocket or hands free holder. The magic word with some of these companies is upgrade and we don't always need to.

Gary · Sep 22, 2014, 22:19:36

Quote from: Simon on Sep 22, 2014, 20:51:21
That's all very true, Gary, but you have to admit, the intuitive functionality, usability and general compatability between Apple devices and the integration with iTunes is second to none.

@_@ What are you on

Good idea about the 6s wait though the 's' phones are always the better phone after issues are ironed out, maybe the 6S will be able to make my morning coffee as well by then

Gary · Sep 22, 2014, 22:21:10

Quote from: Den on Sep 22, 2014, 22:09:38
Excellent post Gary and I could not agree more. In the end I want a phone to make phone calls and it must fit in my pocket or hands free holder. The magic word with some of these companies is upgrade and we don't always need to.

Thanks Den

Simon · Sep 22, 2014, 22:42:54

Quote from: Gary on Sep 22, 2014, 22:19:36@_@ What are you on

A roll!

Well, I missed out on both the HTCs by ten pounds each. Bugger! I hate having to wait days for auctions to end.

Glenn · Sep 23, 2014, 07:41:14

Are you using a sniper tool like Goofbid?

http://www.goofbid.com/

Glenn · Sep 23, 2014, 07:56:47

Have you also considered a LG G3?

http://www.loadthegame.com/2014/09/20/lg-g3-vs-htc-one-m8-design-performance/

Gary · Sep 23, 2014, 08:11:42

Quote from: Simon on Sep 22, 2014, 22:42:54
A roll!

Simon · Sep 23, 2014, 09:18:04

Not heard of that one, Glenn. I used to use another auction sniper but it kept having compatability issues with eBay. Will check that out. I usually like to sit and 'snipe' manually, but wasn't able to do so last night.

Not considered LG, but have seen a few of their phones and never been impressed with build quality.