iPhone 5 Not Likely to Have NFC Technology After All

[Maura]

Over the past couple of days one or two stories have emerged based on parts said to be from the next iPhone that have suggested that it might feature Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology. Now AppleInsider reports that according to AnandTech, this is not actually so likely after all. AnandTech’s premise is that because the next iPhone will probably have a mainly metal back plate, this could mean that NFC will not be featured. The reason for this is because basically, an NFC antenna would need more room, needing “as big and dense of a coil as possible.” AnandTech says that the strange chip that some reports took to be NFC-related might in fact have something to do with the next iPhone’s in-cell touchscreen. It looks like AnandTech’s theory might be right on the money as well, with the always well-sourced Jim Dalrymple of The Loop basically giving them the thumbs up in a post.

Source: Apple's next iPhone not expected to feature NFC technology
No NFC on the new iPhone

 

[thewitt]

Apple engineers are smart enough to include a loop antennae needed for NFC even with an all metal backing.

 

[MikeAllard]

Interestiing that the recent iPhone 5 pics do show a metal backing, except where this chip is! May we get NFC afterall?