Even though Apple has been reluctant to adopt NFC as a standard, that doesn’t change the fact that it has invested a lot in making payments mobile. We’ve seen it on its App and Music stores, and we’ve also seen how the company has automated your purchase process at any Apple Store. Touch ID has brought an additional secure element to your App Store purchases on the iPhone 5S, but it seems Apple is just getting started.

In a recent interview with Tim Cook, he stated that “The mobile payments area in general is one we’ve been intrigued with. It was one of the thoughts behind Touch ID [...] it’s a big opportunity … 

Now one thing we can’t forget is that Cook is notorious for stating excitement on everything he’s asked, like the option for a physical Apple TV , but that the company hasn’t delivered on. The difference here is that Touch ID is a service that already exists in at least one of Apple’s devices. If you’re wondering how the company plans to deliver without NFC, well remember that the iPhone 5S also includes an API for barcode scanning, so all Apple needs now is retail partners since it already has your credit card.

Via: 9To5Mac