Apple provides US developers with the same NFC capabilities that Apple required in Europe.

Apple’s iPhone NFC will be open to third-party developers after the EU probe
Apple decided to expand the feature to other countries, including the US, after being pressed to allow rivals in Europe to use the iPhone NFC payment process. Apple was required by the European Union to give rivals access its technology as part of its Digital Markets Act. Apple has now created what it calls a “secure method to offer NFC Contactless Transactions” and is allowing developers access in certain regions. Apple has not yet announced a timeline for the release of more countries and regions. Developers will now be able offer contactless payments in-app, as well as keys, reward cards and ID cards. Developers will be able do this without Apple Pay and Apple Wallet but still use Apple’s Secure Element in order to protect users’ privacy. Apple has spent significant resources on designing a solution to protect users’ privacy and security, according to a company statement. “Apple leverages a number Apple’s proprietary hardware, software, and servers when making a touchless transaction.” The user can perform the transaction by opening an app. Or, they can make the third-party application their default payment method. Double-pressing the iPhone’s side buttons will bring up the third-party payment system. Apple Pay will be replaced by this system. Apple requires developers to apply for access to the NFC technology. The application process includes a fee that has not yet been specified, and developers are required to meet certain industry regulations. As part of iOS 18.1, which will be released later this fall, third-party developers will have the ability to use NFC.