iOS 27 has a new “Tap to Share” feature that allows merchants to use their iPhone to connect to a customer’s device with an NFC tap for data exchange purposes. This is useful for small business owners, sellers at local markets, etc.
Tap to Share is an extension of the existing Tap to Pay functionality on iPhone, which allows merchants to accept contactless payments on an iPhone, with no point-of-sale hardware required. This latest feature allows customers to pay with a simple tap of their iPhone or Apple Watch, contactless credit or debit card, or other contactless payment option on the merchant’s iPhone. Payment is made securely via NFC, like Apple Pay.
During an active Tap to Pay session on iPhone, iOS 27 users can now share their contact information to sign up, provide a shipping address or email address for receipts, add or share Apple Wallet passes, view their cart, and pay with Apple Pay.
Tap to Share requires an iPhone 12 or newer, and the feature is currently not available in the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes all EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Apple has not explained why the feature is not immediately launching in the EEA or provided a timeline for its future availability.
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