New Delhi:

With the new release, the maximum contactless range has been pushed from 0.5 cm to 2 cm. That might not sound like a big leap, but it’s a 4x jump in what’s known as “operating volume.” It means you won’t have to be nearly as precise when lining up two NFC-enabled devices anymore, which is something I’ve personally struggled with while using tap cards at metro stations or trying to pair devices that just wouldn’t connect unless perfectly aligned.

 Near Field Communication, or NFC, just got a major upgrade. The NFC Forum, which defines the technical standards behind how NFC works, has officially released NFC Release 15. This new version is expected to make everyday contactless experiences like tapping to pay, unlocking a door, or pairing gadgets a lot smoother.

What’s changing with NFC 15

NFC Release 15 is not just about the increased range. It also brings technical improvements that allow devices with small form factors like wearables and smartphones to perform faster and more consistently. According to Preeti Ohri Khemani, Chair of NFC Forum, “A larger more stable operating volume makes the connection faster and more consistent and reduces occasions where consumers may need to tap or align devices more than once.”

This upgrade is expected to benefit a variety of sectors:

Automotive: Quicker access and vehicle pairing

Smartphones: Better “Tap to Pay” or “Tap to Unlock” experiences

Public transport: Faster taps at gates without precise alignment

Wearables: Easier connections for health bands or smartwatches

Backing sustainability and digital product tracking

The new release also ties into the Forum’s broader push for sustainability. NFC Release 15 supports the NFC Digital Product Passport (DPP) standard. This lets brands embed a single NFC tag into a product that can store and share both basic and extended product data, potentially helping track a product’s entire lifecycle.

That’s a big deal in sectors like electronics, fashion, and appliances, where lifecycle transparency is becoming increasingly important.

Why now?

Some devices already operate at a 2 cm range. But as explained by Khemani, “The role of the NFC Forum is to define a consistent, reliable industry baseline that applies across the full range of NFC-enabled devices.” With more compact gadgets entering the market, this wider standard is becoming necessary.

Mike McCamon, Executive Director of NFC Forum, added, “Many markets are set to benefit from extended range, with consumers set to gain the most through an enhanced user experience.” He pointed out that this release also supports new use cases like turning your phone into a payment terminal or accessing digital product passports.

What’s next?

Right now, NFC Forum’s Associate, Principal, and Sponsor-level members can access the technical documents. Certification for public and Adopter-level members will open by Fall 2025.

With support from big players like Apple, Google, Sony, Huawei, NXP, Infineon, and ST Microelectronics, the rollout of NFC Release 15 is likely to reach users quickly.

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