Circle’s USDC Likely To Win Big With Latest Apple Upgrade

Tech giant Apple has introduced a significant upgrade that could benefit Circle USDC. Jeremy Allaire, the CEO of the stablecoin issuer, hinted at the upgrade in an X post. He suggested that iOS users could utilize the stablecoin as a payment method on their iPhones in sync with the latest advancements.

Apple Reach For NFC Contactless Transactions

Apple stated that its developers will enable Near Field Communication (NFC) contactless transactions on iOS 18.1.

This will directly impact in-store payments, including car keys, closed-loop transit, corporate badges, student IDs, home keys, hotel keys, merchant loyalty and rewards cards, and event tickets. Soon, government IDs are expected also to see support with this upgrade.

All that is required is the Secure Element within users’ apps on their iPhone, not the Apple Pay app or Apple Wallet. At the core of this solution is the drive to provide security and privacy. Secure Element carries the capacity to securely store sensitive information in addition to Apple’s proprietary hardware and software technologies.

It is worth noting that the iPhone manufacturer made no mention of Circle USDC in its announcement. Even Allaire confirmed that his company has no business with the tech firm. However, he noted that the company is only opening up the use of the NFC chip to 3rd party app developers.

By doing so, other VASPs including crypto exchanges, Web3 and crypto wallet can equally integrate NFC for transactions.

Apple Upgrade to Trigger Circle USDC Adoption

Allaire is excited about what this latest development can do for USDC adoption. As a system that boasts of high-performance and low-fee blockchain networks, the stablecoin is likely to push several merchants towards adopting it for payments. This major upgrade underscores the increasing integration of tech and crypto solutions.

Ultimately, this Circle USDC potential reflects the fusion of conventional businesses and blockchain technology.

Moreso, the eventual debut of this upgrade could trigger an upsurge in the altcoin market. Notably, the altcoin resurgence hinges on Bitcoin ETF adoption by banks like Goldman Sachs. The growing institutional adoption of the product might have a positive ripple impact on other crypto solutions in the traditional financial ecosystem.

Recently, US banking giant Morgan Stanley disclosed its Bitcoin ETF exposure in the second quarter of 2024. With BNP Paribas and State of Wisconsin Investment Board also making related disclosure, the likely embrace of more crypto offerings is high.