Summary
- The NFC Forum has released Certification Release 15 (CR15), quadrupling the read range from 5mm to 20mm on NFC devices.
- The CR15 introduces Operating Volume 20 (OV20), improving the efficiency of NFC communications on smartphones, wearables and smart devices.
- The new standard, developed with companies like Apple and Google, maintains backwards compatibility, ensuring safe and intuitive interactions.
The global entity responsible for defining standards for Near Field Communication (NFC) technology announced Certification Release 15 (CR15), an update that promises to improve the way devices connect by proximity. The new specification expands the reading range four times, from the current 5 mm to up to 20 mm, and should facilitate the use of the feature on smartphones, smart watches and other compatible devices.
CR15 defines a new certification program that ensures that products follow the technical specifications of NFC Release 15, launched at the beginning of 2025. With this, manufacturers will be able to test and certify devices that operate with the new extended range, making close-range interactions more practical and less dependent on precise alignment between devices.
The main new feature of the CR15 is the introduction of Operating Volume 20 (OV20), a new parameter that allows reliable communications up to 20 mm away. This represents a significant advance over the previous standard, OV5, and can make NFC technology more efficient in everyday situations, such as unlocking smart doors, contactless payment and digital ticketing on public transport.
“Extending the range of contactless NFC connections was one of the top priorities outlined in the NFC Forum’s Five-Year Roadmap. CR15 will provide a signal of confidence to device manufacturers and stakeholders that devices operating within the extended 20mm read range will perform as expected,” said Mike McCamon, executive director of the NFC Forum.
According to the forum, the new standard was developed in partnership with large companies in the technology sector — including Apple, Google, Huawei, NXP Semiconductors, Sony and Infineon —, which make up the organization’s board. The objective is to ensure that certified devices maintain backwards compatibility, functioning normally with older products, and that interactions remain intuitive and secure.
Why is this change important?
NFC 15 extends the distance to up to 2 cm (image: reproduction/NFC Forum)
Today, NFC is essential for everyday functions like mobile payments, digital keys and fast authentications, but its limited range requires devices to be in close physical contact. With the CR15, the technology becomes more tolerant of small distances and angles, which should improve the user experience – especially on smartphones, smartwatches and wearable devices.
The update maintains the commitment to security, one of the main advantages of NFC over longer-range technologies, such as Bluetooth. Closer contact is still essential to avoid interception, but the expansion to 20 mm brings more convenience without compromising data protection.
The testing and certification program is now available, and the first devices supporting the new standard should begin to appear in the coming months. There is still no confirmation on when Apple, Google or other manufacturers will officially adopt the specification, but they are all part of the NFC Forum and participated in the development of the CR15.
Source: https://tecnoblog.net/noticias/nfc-ganha-atualizacao-que-quadruplica-o-alcance-dos-dispositivos/
