Next generation iPad (iPad 2) and iPhone (iPhone 5) to come with NFC technology

According to a Bloomberg report, Apple is working to bring NFC (Near Field Communications) technology to the next generation of iOS devices. The report suggests that we will see this technology on iPad 2 and iPhone 5.

Apple Inc. plans to introduce services that would let customers use its iPhone and iPad computer to make purchases, said Richard Doherty, director of consulting firm Envisioneering Group.
The services are based on “Near-Field Communication,” a technology that can beam and receive information at a distance of up to 4 inches, due to be embedded in the next iteration of the iPhone for AT&T Inc. and the iPad 2, Doherty said. Both products are likely to be introduced this year, he said, citing engineers who are working on hardware for the Apple project.

In the past year Apple published multiple patents for use of the NFC technology. A POS system, a Home Appliances Control system, an Entertainment Ticketing system, and a Travel application are a few of Apple’s patents involving NFC.
In August, Apple hired NFC expert Benjamin Vigier as a new product manager for mobile commerce. Then, a report by TechCrunch suggested that Apple is already testing NFC capable iPhones.
Source: Bloomberg