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Jeremy Allaire, CEO of stablecoin issuer Circle, revealed plans to introduce tap-and-go payments using USDC on iPhones following Apple’s decision to open its secure payment chips to third-party developers, allowing the integration of blockchain-based payment into iOS devices.
Allaire revealed this development on X stating,
“Tap to pay using USDC on iPhones incoming soon. Wallet devs, start your engines.”
This announcement followed Apple’s statement that it would enable third-party apps to access its NFC chip and Secure Element (SE), previously restricted to Apple Wallet and Apple Pay.
Allaire clarified that this new capability could enable iOS wallet apps that support USDC to process transactions through NFC. For instance, a point-of-sale system could communicate with an iPhone, specifying a blockchain address to accept USDC payments. The wallet app on the iPhone would then prompt the user to confirm the payment, possibly using FaceID, and execute the transaction on the blockchain.
He further noted that this development could extend beyond USDC payments to non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for tickets or certificates and additional stablecoins like EURC. Allaire emphasized that while Circle has no direct partnership with Apple, this technological shift by Apple allows crypto wallet developers to start incorporating NFC capabilities into their apps.
He also encouraged Point-of-sale (POS) hardware and software providers to prepare for these updates to support native USDC settlements.
“And, yes, PoS hardware/software companies should ready firmware updates so that they can send/receive these NFC instructions and work with their Payment Processors to ensure that those firms upgrade to support native USDC settlement (many PSPs and Processors are already doing this),” Allaire stated.
Following Apple’s announcement, its APIs will be available to developers in several countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. However, there was no mention of availability in the European Union.
Meanwhile, MetaMask, a well-known crypto wallet firm, has partnered with Mastercard and Baanx to pilot a self-custody debit card in the UK and EU. This card lets users make everyday purchases directly from their crypto wallets.
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