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The NFC Forum has announced the launch of NFC Release 15, ushering in a significant upgrade in contactless technology that extends the operating range of NFC connections by up to four times.
NFC Forum unveils NFC 15
This marks a milestone in the evolution of Near Field Communication, with the maximum effective range increasing from 0.5cm to 2cm – a development poised to enhance user experience across a wide spectrum of applications.
The implications of this advancement are considerable.
By broadening the “operating volume” – the physical space within which NFC interactions can initiate – Release 15 enables quicker and more reliable connections, while maintaining the essential principle of user intent.
This means that devices will no longer need to be aligned with pinpoint precision to establish a secure contactless interaction, making the technology more intuitive and accessible.
This enhancement is especially relevant for smaller form factors such as wearables, smart home devices, and mobile phones, which often face design limitations in antenna placement and power.
Moreover, the release is expected to facilitate emerging use cases, including turning smartphones into payment acceptance devices, streamlining access control systems, and improving the functionality of digital car keys.
Release 15 also aligns with the NFC Forum’s broader strategic goals, as outlined in its Five-Year Roadmap.
Notably, it reflects an increased focus on sustainability and circular economy initiatives, with new support for the NFC Digital Product Passport (DPP) Standard.
This framework allows a single NFC tag embedded in a product to store lifecycle data – from manufacturing details to recycling instructions – promoting transparency and traceability.
Supported by industry giants such as Apple, Google, Sony, and NXP, the NFC Forum continues to drive innovation through collaborative standard-setting.
Technical specifications for Release 15 are immediately available to higher-tier members, with wider public access and certification programmes set to roll out in autumn 2025.
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