Apple's 'Tap to Share' debuts on iOS 27, but EU users left out
Apple's new iOS 27 introduces 'Tap to Share', enabling iPhones to exchange data with customer devices via NFC tap for purposes like sharing contact details or Apple Wallet passes. The feature, an extension of 'Tap to Pay on iPhone', requires iPhone 12 or newer but is notably absent in the European Economic Area, with Apple not specifying a rollout timeline for the region.
Key points
- Apple's iOS 27 introduces a 'Tap to Share' feature allowing iPhones to exchange data with customer devices using NFC.
- This functionality extends 'Tap to Pay on iPhone' and facilitates sharing contact details, shipping addresses, or Apple Wallet passes.
- The feature requires an iPhone 12 or later model for operation.
- Tap to Share is not currently available in the European Economic Area (EEA).
- Apple has not provided a reason for the EEA exclusion or a timeline for its future availability in the region.
Apple's latest operating system update, iOS 27, brings a new feature called 'Tap to Share'. This capability allows merchants using an iPhone to initiate data exchange with a customer's device simply by tapping them together via NFC technology.
Expanding on the existing 'Tap to Pay on iPhone' service, 'Tap to Share' aims to streamline interactions for small businesses and market vendors. Beyond processing payments, users can now share contact information for loyalty programs, provide shipping or email details for receipts, add Apple Wallet passes, view shopping carts, and use Apple Pay.
The feature necessitates an iPhone 12 or a more recent model. However, its rollout is limited, as 'Tap to Share' is not presently accessible within the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes EU member states along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Apple has not yet offered an explanation for this omission or indicated when the feature might become available to users in the EEA.
Sources
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