A new report suggests Apple is experimenting with Near Field Communication for the upcoming iPhone 5, which would allow the device to be turned into an electronic wallet or key.
The technology, which is currently being used in various parts of Asia, would be used to allow users to sync up their devices with a Macbook, CultofMac has reported.
The system would work by waving a n iPhone over the Mac. Data would be then be transferred between the two devices.
“The Mac authenticates with the iPhone, which contains a lot of the information the computer needs, such as bookmarks, passwords and other data,” the anonymous source told CultofMac.
“The system would essentially turn any Apple computer into your own — like you’re actually working on your own computer. Same settings, look, bookmarks, preferences. It would all be invisible. Your iPhone would be all you needed to unlock your Mac.”
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
