Jun 17, 2025
NFC Release 15: The what, why and how
The latest version of NFC Forum specifications – NFC Release 15 – extends the operating volume of NFC Forum-compliant devices to 2 cm. We spoke with Preeti Ohri Khemani, NFC Forum Chair, on what this means, why it matters and how it will impact the industry.
Q: The headline feature of NFC Release 15 is extended range. Let’s start with the basics; what does this mean and why is it important?
A: The NFC operating volume, also known as range, refers to the effective or functional volume in which an NFC reader can connect with an NFC chip or tag. The smaller the volume, the two NFC antennas must be more aligned / to transfer data or power between the devices. And in contrast, the larger the volume, the less close / precise.
This is important as it enhances reliability. If an operating volume is larger and undisturbed, the transaction is quicker, offering a faster, more consistent user experience.
Q: What will change with NFC Release 15?
A: NFC Release 15 is comprised of Specification Release 15 and Certification Release 15. The former are the technical standards to implement NFC capability in products, and the latter, the testing program to certify compliance to these standards.
To align with NFC Release 15, users of newer generations of NFC enabled devices in reader mode will experience seamless connection and faster transaction.
Increasing the operating volume across all NFC enabled devices – especially those that have a smaller form factor – while ensuring compatibility with ISO/IEC 14443, has been technically complex to achieve. The engineers working on the advancement had to be mindful of product design requirements, delicately managing a balance between improved performance and maintaining the antenna size. This thorough investigation has led to a 4x greater operating volume – extending the current range of 0.5cm to 2cm.
Q: Who will benefit the most from this enhancement?
A: Consumers stand to gain the most. A larger more stable operating volume makes the connection faster and more consistent and reduces occasions where consumers may need to tap or align devices more than once.
There are many markets that will also benefit from this enhancement. For example, optimizing NFC usability within automotive; increasing read range to enable quicker throughput volumes within sectors such as public transport and transit; as well as enabling NFC to be used in new environments where connection points need to be at a greater distance.
Q: Are there NFC devices in the marketplace today that operate at 2 cm? And if yes, why is NFC Release 15 needed now?
A: Yes, some devices can already operate at ranges of 2cm or more. However, the role of the NFC Forum role is to define a consistent, reliable industry baseline that applies across the full range of NFC-enabled devices and use cases – including small-form-factor products like wearables and smartphones.
This new standard is needed now for two key reasons.
NFC is being integrated into increasingly compact devices that are expected to handle more complex, sensitive interactions – such as Tap to Mobile solutions that allow smartphones to accept payments, or Multi-Purpose Tap use cases where a single tap unlocks multiple functions (e.g., payment, loyalty rewards, access, or product data). These applications demand higher reliability and a broader operating range to succeed.
There is also strong and growing market demand – not only from NFC Forum members but from partners across the broader tech ecosystem – who need a unified approach to ensure consistency and compatibility across devices and a growing number of use cases like digital keys and wearables.
Q: It’s interesting that the market has asked for the standard. Can you tell us more about who and why?
A: NFC Forum members have worked together for more than 20 years to build a strong foundation and a truly interoperable ecosystem. A big part of that foundation is making sure products are properly designed and tested to meet NFC Forum Standards – so they perform as expected in the real world.
Just over two years ago the NFC Forum community came together to define a Technology Roadmap that was mindful of innovating while maintaining stability in an established ecosystem. NFC Release 15 is further proof of the relevance of groups like the NFC Forum.
It’s a powerful endorsement of the Forum’s work that other technical organizations now require compliance with NFC Forum standards and certification as part of their own product requirements. For many of these groups, the increased operating volume was a critical step in enabling the next generation of NFC use cases.
Q: We can’t ignore that NFC technology has been around for some time. What’s its future, when so many other technologies are coming to market?
A: There are many impressive attributes of NFC technology – its simplicity to initiate an action with a single touch; its security thanks to its short transmission range, secure chip, and its ability to transmit power from one device to another. Above all, NFC technology is unique as it requires ‘user intent’.
Two NFC-enabled devices must be brought close together to complete a transaction or interaction—nothing happens without a deliberate action. That sense of control is powerful, and the NFC Forum and its members recognize how important it remains for users, especially in moments like making a payment or unlocking a door.
At the same time, with so many technology options available, NFC must also deliver outstanding performance. It has to work seamlessly, quickly, and intuitively—every time. That’s exactly what NFC Release 15 is designed to do: enhance technical excellence while preserving the trusted, intentional experience users value.
Q: Now that NFC Release 15 has been released, what happens next?
A: The Technical Specifications included in NFC Release 15 can be downloaded by NFC Forum Associate, Principal and Sponsor-level members starting today. We are updating our certification program to incorporate these latest changes and, when NFC Release 15 becomes publicly available, we will open compliance certification with Certification Release 15, which will be adopted into many of our industry partners’ certification programs as well.
We also invite everyone working within the NFC ecosystem to join the NFC Forum and help shape what comes next. While we have a clear technical roadmap, our strength comes from collaboration – and we welcome new ideas, perspectives, and contributions. Together, we can continue to evolve the standards that support today’s NFC use cases and power the innovations of tomorrow.