The latest “Rumour” is that the new iPhone will NOT include current buzz technology NFC, as The Independent are apparently stating that several sources are saying that near field communications will not be a feature of the next gen iPhone.
NFC is a technology that will allows a very close wireless connection between devices (such as phones) and NFC enabled receivers (such as Checkouts) to make a wireless payment by simply swiping a device enabled. Similar to the London based Oyster system you would be able to just go to a NFC enabled shop with your NFC enabled device, pick up what you want, go to the till, Swipe your device, and leave having paid in full for your goods.
NFC support is currently available in the flagship Google Android OS device the Google Nexus S, but it would seem that Apple are not interested in matching Google and will not be setting NFC as one of the next gen iPhones features.
The technology is currently very popular with Nokia, Sony Ericsson and BlackBerry all stating interest in the technology this year.
But as per usual this is one of many rumours that will only be quashed when the “Rumoured” device is launched in the coming months, so until then… watch this space.