NFC 15 Standard Announced with 4x Extended Range and Digital Product Passport Support

The NFC Forum has unveiled NFC 15, the latest version of the Near Field Communication standard, bringing major upgrades that improve convenience and reliability across a range of devices. The headline improvement is an extended communication range of 2 cm, up from just 0.5 cm in previous versions — a 4x increase that allows for faster, more stable contactless interactions.

With this upgrade, precise device alignment is no longer required, significantly reducing failed tap attempts in contactless payments, public transport, and digital key applications. It also improves wireless charging alignment and enhances usability in compact devices like smartphones and smartwatches.

Despite the increased range, NFC 15 maintains its high-security standards, keeping the tech securely proximity-based and safe for sensitive transactions.

Another key addition in NFC 15 is support for the Digital Product Passport (DPP). This allows brands to store and share product lifecycle data using the NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF), paving the way for greater transparency and product traceability.

While the technical specs for NFC 15 are already released, public availability and certification processes will begin this fall.