QR Code Patent Latest Clue on Apple’s Mobile Wallet Plans
Aug. 18, 2014
Details of Apple Inc.’s mobile wallet plans continue to trickle out, with the latest clue found in a patent filing that illustrates a QR code. Published late last month, the application describes a parental control system that would enable parents to control payment authorization on their children’s mobile devices. The application illustrations seem to depict an interface based on the iPhone’s existing Passbook app, but include digital cards for various hypothetical merchants. Currently, Passbook supports digital coupons, gift cards and loyalty programs—but the patent’s QR code and merchant digital card illustrations could indicate Apple is planning to include payments in a future version of the app. Rumors of Apple’s mobile wallet plans have intensified in recent months. In July, reports surfaced that the company has been in talks with various payment companies, including Visa, and that an iPhone-based mobile wallet could debut as soon as this fall. Sources also have reported that the iPhone 6 will incorporate NFC technology, which could be used to make contactless mobile payments.
See related stories:
