The shared bicycle industry has recently introduced NFC unlocking, making the process simpler by eliminating the need to open an app or scan a QR code. Instead, users can now unlock the bike with just a tap using NFC-enabled phones. This shift has brought NFC technology into the spotlight, sparking discussions about its potential and the reluctance of some smartphone manufacturers to adopt it.
Take the recent launch of the Samsung Galaxy Note8 as an example. While it's been highly anticipated abroad, it's already generating buzz here in China. Mobike quickly jumped on board, releasing test photos showing how their new smart lock, featuring NFC unlocking, works seamlessly with the Note8. Meanwhile, ofo Xiao Huang also announced plans to integrate NFC touch unlocking into their new smart locks.
When this news broke, it wasn’t just cyclists who took notice—NFC enthusiasts were thrilled. Yet, looking at the broader smartphone market, NFC remains a niche feature. Many flagship phones from brands like OnePlus, Oppo, Vivo, and even Meizu lack NFC capabilities altogether. Some might see this as a missed opportunity, given NFC's clear benefits over traditional Bluetooth.
NFC technology offers unique advantages. Unlike Bluetooth, it doesn't require pairing and can transmit data instantly with a single touch. It also operates without needing a power source, making it ideal for applications like bus cards, access control, and even event tickets. Essentially, it combines an NFC chip with a coil to create a wireless communication system that doesn't need a battery.
Despite these advantages, NFC hasn't always been popular. Back in 2006, Nokia released the world’s first NFC phone, but without practical applications, it failed to catch on. Even when Android devices began supporting NFC around 2010, its adoption remained limited. Early efforts included Google Wallet, which aimed to turn phones into virtual credit cards. However, the ecosystem wasn’t ready for widespread adoption.
A few years ago, telecom operators tried promoting NFC through NFC-SIM cards, allowing users to access payment services without requiring an NFC phone. But these cards were limited in functionality, offering only basic services like UnionPay transactions and local bus cards. With the IoT hype yet to fully materialize, the market wasn’t prepared for such innovations.
Today, the cost of adding NFC to smartphones has dropped significantly—around $1 per module, plus an additional $5 for a secure element chip. Still, the lack of demand meant many manufacturers treated NFC as a luxury feature, reserving it only for premium models or cutting costs entirely.
The resurgence of NFC can largely be attributed to advancements in mobile payment technology and increased consumer interest in contactless payments. Major smartphone brands now offer their own payment solutions, leveraging NFC to drive revenue. While this shift may feel opportunistic rather than driven by innovation, it has certainly benefited users by expanding phone functionalities.
Interestingly, shared bicycles seem to be accelerating NFC adoption faster than mobile payments ever did. Unlocking a bike via NFC feels like a significant leap forward compared to scanning QR codes. Could this trend convince smartphone makers who previously dismissed NFC as irrelevant to reconsider?
As shared bike companies continue to push NFC, perhaps it’s time for smartphone manufacturers to rethink their stance. After all, NFC isn’t just about payments—it’s about convenience and connectivity. And with shared bikes leading the charge, the future of NFC looks brighter than ever.
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