Can we emulate NFC cards in iOS 13?

Question

Apple just announced new NFC Core API to public.

Here is what they said.

Core NFC

With Core NFC framework, your apps can now support tag writing, including writing to NDEF formatted tags. The framework also provides supports for reading and writing tags using native protocols such as ISO 7816, MIFARE, ISO 15693, and FeliCa. For more information, see the Core NFC framework documentation.

https://developer.apple.com/ios/whats-new/

So, now we have write and read API, and I read all documentation about Core NFC, but I couldn't find about card emulation.

Does this mean we can emulate the card like Android HCE? If yes, what API I have to use?

Answer 1

iOS 17.4 or later includes APIs that support contactless transactions for in-store payments, car keys, closed loop transit, corporate badges, home keys, hotel keys, merchant loyalty/rewards, and event tickets from within compatible iOS apps using host card emulation (HCE). Users based in the European Economic Area (EEA) with an iPhone running iOS 17.4 or later can initiate in-person NFC transactions from iOS apps at compatible NFC terminals or mobile devices.

HCE-based contactless transactions for apps in the European Economic Area (EEA)

Answer 2

Update in 2022

The latest version iOS 16 still does not support emulating for normal developer.

Answer 3

Apple does provide HCE, however it is under Apply Pay, using Apple Wallet, and requires a special entitlement and certificate you have to request from Apple.

The Wallet app on iPhone, iPod touch, and Apple Watch allows users to easily manage payment cards, boarding passes, tickets, gift cards, and other passes. Wallet is time and location enabled, so passes can be configured to display on the user’s device at the appropriate moment...

Near Field Communication

Passes can work with Near Field Communication (NFC) readers for contactless redemption. Users hold their device near a reader with contactless symbol to use a pass, with no need for a barcode. If you’re developing an NFC-enabled pass to use with Apple Pay, you’ll need to request an NFC certificate.

(Source: https://developer.apple.com/wallet/get-started/ )

From the certificate request page we learn the following:

NFC Certificate Request

Thank you for your interest in developing an NFC-enabled pass to use with Apple Pay. Before we provide an NFC Certificate, we need some additional information about your company and how you propose to use NFC with your pass in Wallet.

Answer 4

Also couldn't find any sign of HCE support in iOS 13 Core NFC and this really isn't a surprise. Supporting HCE would make it easier for payment companies to implement alternatives to Apple Pay, which Apple certainly will want to prevent.