Apple Pay: iPhone 6 & iPhone 6+ bag NFC mobile payment support

Apple has confirmed that iPhone 6 users will now be able to use their devices to wirelessly pay for goods and services, thanks to the inclusion of near-field communications (NFC) technology.

The consumer electronics giant used its iPhone 6+ launch event to showcase its new mobile wallet service, Apple Pay, which uses the firm's Touch ID biometric sensor to verify wireless payments.

Users don't have to enter in new credit card details to use the service, as it simply relies on the information the company has on file to purchase content via iTunes.

Alternatively, they have the option to take a picture of their card and upload it to Passbook, where it can be used to pay for items.

However, the firm has been quick to stress that no credit card data is stored on the device. So, if someone loses their phone or it's stolen, their payment security shouldn't be compromised.

The company claims that, when buying something with the iPhone, Apple will not gather any information related to your purchase. This will be between the user, the retailer and the user's bank, they say.

The company has already partnered up with a number of US retailers, who have agreed to participate in Apple Pay transactions.

These include Disney, McDonalds, and Nike, among others.

The introduction of NFC payment technology has been rumoured for some time, with Pac Crest analyst Josh Beck previously saying: "We expect the iPhone 6 to be launched with near-field communications (NFC) and secure element technologies, which would provide Apple with a broad technology portfolio to disrupt mobile payments.

"After analysing the payments, handset, enabling technology and internet landscape, we think a partnership between Apple and Visa would make strategic sense and believe an announcement could happen as early as this fall."

To make NFC payments possible, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6+ feature an NFC chip.

Both handsets will be available to pre-order from 12 September, shipping on 19 September, with iOS 8 set for release on 17 September.

Much has been made about Apple's reticence on the NFC front, as the ability to pay for items wireless has been available to Windows Phone and Android users for some time.

Previously, Apple has explained this away by saying the ability to make wireless payments isn't a priority for its customers.