The global short-range communication standard takes a leap forward: up to 2 centimeters of distance, more reliability, and new applications for payments, wearables, and sustainability.
The NFC Forum, the international body responsible for Near Field Communication (NFC) technology standards, has officially announced the launch of NFC Release 15, an update that promises to transform the contactless connection experience. This new version extends the certified range of NFC connections up to 2 centimeters, quadrupling the previous limit of 0.5 cm. The result: faster, more reliable, and more convenient connections for users and businesses.
Greater range, easier to use
Until now, NFC technology required devices to be almost touching to establish a connection, which sometimes made it difficult to use with payment terminals, access systems, wearables, or smart appliances. With NFC Release 15, connections can be initiated from a greater distance and with less precision in device alignment, reducing failures and speeding up interactions. According to the NFC Forum, this enables “the redefinition of performance standards” and anticipates an expansion of use cases across diverse sectors such as automotive, transport, smart homes, and access control.
Boosting new use cases: payments, digital keys, and sustainability
The new standard has been developed in collaboration with leading global tech players: Apple, Google, Huawei, Infineon, Sony, NXP, ST Microelectronics, and Identiv, among others. Experts highlight that NFC Release 15 will make it easier for mobile phones to act as payment terminals, the implementation of digital keys for cars or homes, the integration of NFC in connected appliances, and the advancement towards even smaller devices like smartwatches and bracelets.
One key focus of the new release is sustainability. NFC Release 15 supports the Digital Product Passport (DPP) standard, allowing a single NFC tag to store and transmit key information about a product throughout its lifecycle: from manufacturing to recycling. This facilitates traceability, circular economy practices, and transparency for consumers and brands.
Certification and availability
Associate, Principal, and Sponsor level member companies can already download the technical specifications for NFC Release 15. For other members and the general public, certification and access to new features will be available starting in the fall of 2025.
A leap in contactless usability
The executive director of the NFC Forum, Mike McCamon, underscores that expanding the NFC range was one of the organization’s roadmap priorities: “Many markets will benefit from the extended range, and most importantly, consumers will enjoy an enhanced experience. NFC Release 15 not only redefines the foundation of contactless connections but also enables new use cases and optimizes technology in key sectors such as payments, automotive, transport, and sustainability.”
With NFC present in millions of devices worldwide and a future shaped by the circular economy and digitalization, the launch of Release 15 solidifies this technology’s role as a pillar of simple, secure, and increasingly universal connectivity.
via: nfc-forum