Apple is reportedly updating the point-of-service device its store employees use to allow them to process payments with the iPhone 5S, rather than just the iPod Touch. To some, this is a sign that Apple will add near-field communication (NFC) capabilities to its upcoming iPhone 6. This is a questionable conclusion. In 2009, Apple started using an iPod Touch to facilitate VeriFone’s EasyPay point-of-sale system in Apple Stores. The EasyPay system uses a VeriFone-made POS attachment (seen here) that connects to the iPod Touch. The POS attachment gives employees a mobile magnetic stripe reader and barcode scanner and also has a number of other features, as well. According to 9to5Mac, Apple has decided to ditch the iPod Touch for in-store payments in favor of the iPhone 5S, the Cupertino, Calif.-based company’s flagship phone. There does not appear to be a concrete reason why Apple is switching to the iPhone 5S, but it is not surprising. The iPhone 5S comes with a built-in fingerprint scanner for added security, which would be useful for Apple Store employees. Not only that, but the device is an actual phone as opposed to the iPod Touch, which is mainly an enhanced music player, so employees […]
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