Breaking News 8.15.24
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/08/14/apple-opening-up-iphones-nfc-chip-to-developers/
Dear Innovators,
In a world where ideas fuel progress and change, we often find ourselves pushing boundaries that others can't see—or worse, dismiss as impossible. Today, we stand at a moment that many of us in the fintech community have been working toward for over a decade: Apple has announced that it will open up the iPhone’s NFC chip to developers. This decision is more than just a policy shift; it’s a validation of the relentless drive to innovate and the belief that our ideas, no matter how radical they may seem, have the power to reshape industries.
A Decade of Advocacy and Vision
For years, we have called for Apple to open its NFC technology to developers. This technology, locked away and restricted to Apple Pay, held immense potential for innovation in touchless payments and beyond. But despite the obvious possibilities, the path to this moment was far from easy. We were met with skepticism, resistance, and even outright dismissal. I’ve been in fintech for decades, and during that time, I’ve grown accustomed to being labeled as crazy or out of touch when advocating for ideas that challenge the status quo.
But as many of you know, being an entrepreneur means holding fast to your vision even when others can't see it. It means persevering through the doubts and criticisms because you understand that real innovation often requires pushing through barriers that seem insurmountable.
A Victory for Innovation and Persistence
Apple’s decision to open up its NFC chip to developers is a victory not just for those of us who have been advocating for it, but for the entire fintech community. It’s a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of believing in your ideas, even when the world isn’t ready for them yet.
This decision also vindicates the work of regulators like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), who challenged Apple’s restrictive NFC policies. Their efforts, combined with the pressure from global regulatory bodies, played a crucial role in bringing us to this point. It’s a reminder that when we articulate and execute our ideas effectively, they can lead to meaningful change—even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
A Call to Action: Seize the Moment
To all the innovators, developers, and entrepreneurs out there: this is your moment. With Apple’s NFC chip now open to developers, the doors to innovation have swung wide open. The possibilities for creating new touchless payment solutions, enhancing consumer experiences, and driving forward the next wave of fintech innovation are endless.
It’s carpe diem time. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Whether you’re working on the next big payment app, exploring new avenues for open banking, or dreaming up solutions that we haven’t even imagined yet, now is the time to act. The future of digital payments is brighter than ever, and the impact you can make today will shape the industry for years to come.
The Power of Belief
This open letter is not just about celebrating an industry impacting victory or a mere corporate decision by Apple —it’s about the power of belief. It’s about knowing that your ideas matter, that your work is important, and that with persistence, you can achieve the impossible.
For those of us who have been pushing for this change for over a decade, today’s news is more than just a win—it’s a reminder that we’re not crazy. Our ideas are valid, our voices are strong, and when we stand firm in our convictions, we can move mountains and monolithic structures together.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. To the skeptics who doubted us, and to the supporters who believed in us, this moment is for all of us. Let’s continue to push boundaries, challenge norms, and build a future where innovation knows no limits.
To dive deeper into the background and implications of Apple’s decision, you can read my original article, which discusses the core problem, for additional context and more about NFC and its history as a technology.
Let’s get to work.
Sincerely,
Corey