Rumour: Apple to bring NFC tech to iOS?

Near Field Communication (NFC) is being touted by some -  including Google and Visa - as the next wave in payment and wireless technology. It requires neither a 3G nor Wi-Fi connection to work.

Now BGR claims several reports from its sources indicate Apple is setting its retail outlets up for NFC payments, which would also indicate NFC capabilities probably wouldn't be far behind on iOS devices.

From BGR:

"First off, Apple’s POS devices — its iPod touch-based wireless payment terminals — recently all went offline for 'maintenance' for an entire day ... Additionally, we have been told that there were recently multiple 'overnights' in Apple retail locations, which required store employees to 'assist in installing TBD devices' throughout the stores 'as the retail segment of Apple grows.'  "Lastly, sources tell us that there have been new tables installed in stores that have different wiring compared to Apple’s standard tables. They also have cash wraps built in, but they aren’t being used yet and employees have been instructed to wait for further information. What does all this mean? ... one of our sources also believes that NFC payment processing capabilities are among the enhancements that will be brought about by the new gear."

It might not be much to go on as far as rumours go, but with NFC the big new thing on the horizon it's not too far-fetched to think Apple would recognise its potential.