Apple reportedly upgrading iBeacons, NFC ahead of iPhone 6 and mobile payments launch

September 8, 2014

Apple appears to be upgrading the iBeacon receivers in it's retail stores ahead of the expected launch of the iPhone 6. The new beacons will make location tracking within Apple's stores more accurate. Apple also updated their EasyPay in-store checkout system earlier this year, equipping the system with NFC capability. Additonally, long-time Apple partner Disney is getting in on the NFC action, according to 9to5Mac:

Speaking of NFC, sources at Disney tell us that the entire chain of stores is being equipped this week with new credit card machines that support NFC. It's unconfirmed if the Disney NFC installations are related to the upcoming iPhone 6 launch, but given that Disney is a close partner with Apple (CEO Bob Iger sits on Apple's board, for example), it's possible that this is more than just a coincidence. Similarly, as we reported last week, major fast food chain McDonalds has begun installing NFC-based credit card machines in many franchises, so it's possible that McDonalds will also be an Apple mobile payments launch partner.

Do you think Apple's upgraded iBeacons are part of their rumored mobile payment system, and will they reveal that system at their event on Tuesday? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Source: 9to5Mac