NFC Forum recentlyAnnounceThe release of NFC Release 15 will extend the effective sensing range of NFC from the original 0.5 cm to 2 cm, thereby improving the convenience of using near-field sensing technology in scenarios such as mobile payments, digital tickets, digital keys, smart cards, fast pairing, and wireless charging.
In addition to extending the effective sensing distance from 0.5 cm to 2 cm, the NFC Release 15 specification also stipulates that the sensing connection must be completed with faster startup speed and lower pairing accuracy requirements while balancing security and pairing accuracy. This will make it easier for related application scenarios to perform contactless sensing operations via NFC.
The quadrupled sensing distance means that the user experience of connecting via NFC sensing in daily life will be faster, more accurate, and more flexible, opening up broader application possibilities for wearable devices, wireless charging, smart kitchen appliances, digital keys, and other application scenarios.
This specification, developed with the participation of industry leaders including NFC Forum board members Apple, Google, Huawei, Identiv, Infineon, NXP, Sony, and STMicroelectronics, ushers in a new phase for NFC specifications, aligning with the previously established five-year technology roadmap. It aims to enhance NFC's efficiency and interoperability across multiple devices, while further streamlining the user experience, enabling users to quickly complete sensing operations even with imprecise alignment.
Mike McCamon, Executive Director of the NFC Forum, said: "Extending NFC's sensing range is a key milestone in our five-year technology roadmap. This will not only increase transaction speeds, but also make the sensing process more intuitive and reliable for small devices such as smartwatches and mobile phones."
New specifications will promote mobile payments and sustainable development applications
It is worth noting that the NFC Release 15 specification will strengthen application scenarios such as mobile phones as mobile payment terminals, and improve NFC's performance in areas such as vehicle networking, transportation ticketing and access control.
Furthermore, this update reiterates the NFC Forum's support for the Digital Product Passport (DPP) standard, which allows brands to store standardized and extended information on their products' NFC tags. Recording product lifecycle information in the NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF) format facilitates recycling management, product tracking, and transparent communication, furthering progress toward a circular economy.
Technical specifications will be open for certification in the fall of 2025
The complete technical specifications for NFC Release 15 are now available for pre-download by NFC Forum Associate, Principal, and Sponsor members. Designers and the general public will have access to the specifications and can begin the certification process starting this fall.
The upgraded NFC specification marks the technology's entry into the next generation, providing a more convenient and reliable method for close-range interaction while further strengthening its role in digital sustainability and IoT applications.
