Apple won't support NFC in iPhone 5

Apple is set to omit near-field communications (NFC) technology from the iPhone 5, as the world waits with baited breath for the next generation of the iconic smartphone.

Analysts were expecting NFC technology capabilities to be one of the major hardware inclusions in the much-anticipated device, along with A5 dual-core processors.

However, it appears that Cupertino has had a change of heart and users may now have to wait until 2012 for an NFC-enabled iPhone.

"The new iPhone will not have NFC; Apple told the operators it was concerned by the lack of a clear standard across the industry," a source told The Independent.

The lack of NFC in the iPhone 5 is likely to be good news for Google, which has already shipped the Nexus S with the touch-tap technology.

RIM has also confirmed that the majority of its upcoming BlackBerry devices will ship with NFC incorporated.

O2, meanwhile, announced support for NFC at CeBIT, and plans on releasing a wallet application that will allow users to carry around their "credits cards in their phones".

Apple's reluctance to get on board with NFC is unlikely to massively affect sales of iPhone 5 given the technology is still only just beginning to break through into mainstream use.

However, given the chicken-and-egg situation with many of these burgeoning mobile technologies, it could hold up the building of NFC infrastructure as various stakeholders wait until one of the world's biggest smartphone makers decides it wants in.

V3.co.uk contacted Apple but the manufacturer declined to comment on rumours and speculation. Knowing Apple though, there is likely to be some kind of a surprise in store when the device is announced.