Circle, the issuer of USDC, is set to introduce tap-and-go payments for its stablecoin on iPhones. This development follows Apple’s decision to open its NFC （near-field communication） technology to third-party developers, paving the way for blockchain-based payments to become more integrated with everyday transactions.
Points
- Circle will enable USDC tap-and-go payments on iPhones, leveraging Apple’s newly accessible NFC technology.
- The feature will allow users to make blockchain-based payments with a simple tap, similar to Apple Pay.
- This marks a significant step towards integrating digital currencies into mainstream payment systems.
Circle, the company behind the popular stablecoin USDC, is preparing to launch a groundbreaking feature that will allow users to make tap-and-go payments with USDC on iPhones. This initiative comes in response to Apple’s recent decision to open up its NFC （near-field communication） chip and Secure Element （SE） technology to third-party developers, a move that could significantly enhance the usability of digital currencies in everyday transactions.
Jeremy Allaire, CEO of Circle, announced the upcoming feature, which will enable iPhone users to perform blockchain-based payments by simply tapping their devices on compatible payment terminals. This development aligns closely with the functionality of Apple Pay, but with the added advantage of leveraging blockchain technology for faster, more secure transactions.
Previously, NFC functionality on iPhones was limited to Apple’s own applications, such as Apple Wallet and Apple Pay. However, Apple’s recent policy change allows third-party developers to access this technology, enabling them to create new and innovative payment solutions that integrate seamlessly with the existing iOS ecosystem.
For Circle, this represents a major step forward in its mission to bring digital currencies into the mainstream. By allowing users to make quick and easy payments with USDC, Circle is helping to bridge the gap between traditional financial systems and the burgeoning world of blockchain.
The introduction of tap-and-go payments for USDC will initially roll out in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada. Notably, the European Union is not included in the initial launch, but expansion to additional regions is expected in the future as the technology gains broader acceptance.
This new functionality will not be limited to USDC. Allaire has indicated that other digital assets, including non-fungible tokens （NFTs） and alternative stablecoins like EURC, could also benefit from the expanded NFC capabilities. This flexibility could lead to a wider adoption of digital currencies and assets, as they become easier to use in everyday scenarios.
The ability to use USDC in tap-and-go payments represents a significant advancement in the integration of digital currencies with traditional payment systems. As more businesses adopt this technology, it could pave the way for broader acceptance of blockchain-based transactions, ultimately bringing the benefits of decentralization to a larger audience.
解説
- NFC Technology and Blockchain: The integration of NFC technology with blockchain-based payments is a significant development in the world of digital finance. By enabling quick and secure transactions with a simple tap, this technology has the potential to make digital currencies more accessible to everyday users, reducing the barriers to adoption.
- Impact on Mainstream Adoption: Circle’s initiative to introduce tap-and-go payments for USDC could accelerate the mainstream adoption of digital currencies. As more consumers and businesses become comfortable using blockchain-based payment methods, we could see a shift in how people think about and use money in their daily lives.
- Future Prospects: The success of this initiative could lead to further innovations in the digital payments space, including the integration of other cryptocurrencies and digital assets. As the technology continues to evolve, we may see a future where digital currencies are as commonplace as credit cards and cash in everyday transactions.