Apple is rolling out updated versions of iBeacon transmitters alongside new near field communication (NFC) readers in all of its own retail stores as well as retail partner Disney’s retail stores, just ahead of the expected launch of its new mobile payments service and the iPhone 6.
9to5Mac reports that the company will be using proximity beacons manufactured by Gimbal that provide more accurate iBeacon location tracking in all of its retail stores, and will also be rolling out new payment systems to support NFC payment capabilities expected in Apple’s upcoming iPhone 6 and iWatch.
The publication also cites an”unconfirmed tip” that Apple is getting ready to roll out a new self-developed iBeacon sensor for future use in its own stores. The report says the device looks like a white puck, boasts a re-chargeable battery, and a Micro-USB port, and its dimensions come in at 3/4-inch thick and 4-inches across.
Apple’s installation of the new iBeacons, along with NFC-capable payment processor – and its earlier deployment of new EasyPay devices that support NFC – all indicate the company is preparing to launch its iPhone-based payments initiative very soon.
9to5Mac also cites sources inside Disney that say the entire chain of Disney retail stores are being equipped with new credit card machines that support NFC. While it is unconfirmed that the new NFC rollout at Disney is connected to the upcoming iPhone 6 debut, Disney is a close partner with Apple, so it could be more than just a happy coincidence that the two rollouts are happening at the same time.
We’ll know more about Apple’s plans following the company’s event, scheduled for tomorrow, September 9th at 10AM Pacific, 1PM Eastern Time.
The company is expected to debut its next-generation iPhone(s) at the event, and will also likely show off its wearable device, the “iWatch.” As usual, MacTrast will be covering the event as it happens. Be there, Aloha.
