Apple is going to open up iPhone tap-to-pay

Apple will let developers offer in-app NFC contactless transactions using the iPhone's Secure Element starting with iOS 18.1, and users will be able to set a default contactless payment app that opens with a double-click of the side button. Previously, only Apple Pay could appear when the side button was double-clicked. Developers can build apps for in-store payments, car keys, transit, corporate badges, student IDs, hotel keys, loyalty cards and event tickets, and Apple says government IDs will be supported "in the future." The APIs will first be available in an upcoming iOS 18.1 developer beta in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the UK and the US, but developers must enter a commercial agreement with Apple and pay associated fees.