Apple to offer new contactless experiences at Apple Stores

79% reliable

3 mins

14.51K views

Apple is planning to offer a contactless way to explore their subscriptions services, by implementing the QR codes and NFC tags at their retail stores.
Information found in iOS 14.5 beta shows a new notification for Apple subscription services will be activated through the use of NFC tags.
The NFC tags will be available exclusively at Apple Stores, according to the source.

Apparently, Apple is working on the implementation of NFC tags that will be deployed in Apple Stores around the world. This will bring users a more convenient way to use a number of Apple services like Apple Arcade and Apple TV+.

According to 9to5Mac (reliability: 79.19%), the company is planning to offer a contactless way to try out their services by implementing QR codes and NFC tags in their stores. A customer will only need to place an iPhone near the NFC tag, or scan a QR code, to open the homepage of the subscription service that is displayed on the tag. For instance, some concepts shared by 9to5Mac show custom notifications that will suggest content available on the service. If the customer is not yet subscribed to the service, it will prompt the user to join. This information was found by 9to5Mac in the latest version of iOS 14.5 beta available for registered developers. The services that Apple will offer through the use of QR codes will allegedly be Apple Arcade, Apple Music, Apple TV+ and Apple One.

From 9to5Mac:

The current experience offered in some Apple Stores is quite simple. Both the QR code and the NFC tag will simply open the homepage of that subscription service in its respective app, such as the App Store for the Apple Arcade and the Music app for Apple Music. However, it seems that the company wants to take this interaction even further in the future.

It looks like the only apps that will trigger the notification will be those from Apple, suggesting that the NFC tags will be exclusively available at Apple Retail Stores, according to information from 9to5Mac.

It's expected that Apple will add several additional services through their retail stores using the NFC method to expand the user experience in the near feature, for example Fitness+.

Recommended by the editors:

More From Apple Scoop — America's Favorite Source For Apple News, Rumors & More

Thank you for visiting Apple Scoop! As a dedicated independent news organization, we strive to deliver the latest updates and in-depth journalism on everything Apple. Have insights or thoughts to share? Drop a comment below—our team actively engages with and responds to our community. Return to the home page.

Published to Apple Scoop on 16th March, 2021.