Exploring Apple Pay: My Journey into NFC Technology
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Chapter 1: The Introduction to Apple Pay
As I reflect on my technology journey, it's surprising to realize that I had never engaged with Apple Pay until recently. Having owned an iPhone since the introduction of iOS 6, which launched on September 25, 2014, I missed out on the announcement of Apple Pay's Near Field Communication (NFC) technology just weeks later.
NFC allows devices to exchange data wirelessly when in close proximity, eliminating the need for an internet connection. This technology is both quick and automatic. It operates on principles similar to radio frequency identification (RFID), where a chip activates another nearby chip to facilitate data transfer over short distances.
Yes, it's astonishing to think I only embraced this payment method nearly nine years later, despite my long history with technology, including building and repairing desktop computers since the late 1990s. You might assume I would have adapted to such innovations much earlier.
However, while it's easy to appreciate the convenience that technology offers, trusting it with financial transactions can be a significant leap of faith.
Sometimes, I ponder whether society has progressed too far too quickly. This is certainly debatable, and I invite you to share your thoughts on NFC technology, which enables spending directly from your bank account without the need for physical cash.
I finally decided to try Apple Pay today because my bank failed to send me a new debit card after my previous one expired. They activated a new card to allow me to utilize the Apple Pay system on my iPhone 13 Pro.
Many of you might be wondering, “Isn’t using a debit card similar to using NFC technology?”
As the saying goes, “The proof is in the pudding.” According to a report by Choose in May 2022, NFC mobile payments are often deemed more secure than traditional debit or credit card transactions. This is because contactless cards store information on a static chip, making them vulnerable to fraud. In contrast, NFC payments are encrypted and dynamic, ensuring the details change and cannot be duplicated.
Despite this assurance, I still find myself hesitant. I have always preferred making purchases with physical currency whenever possible. This inclination stems from growing up in a time when cash transactions were the norm.
Humanity has made significant strides since the days of bartering, hasn't it?
If you’re interested in exploring the topic of bartering further, take a look at my previous piece below:
Bartering, Was It So Bad?
Bartering served as a valuable exchange method long ago, but what led to the development of currency?
If you're curious about how technology has evolved in the face of rising cyber threats, check out my article on hackers:
Security Really Needs to Be Ramped Up Against Hackers Today
Unauthorized security breaches are increasingly common in today's digital landscape.
Have I sparked your interest in the evolution of payment methods? If so, take a look at this:
How Do You Pay Today?
Technology has reshaped our financial interactions, moving us away from checks and cash. What has changed?
I appreciate your support for my writing, and I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.