NFC Release 15: Extending the Range, Redefining the Standard
On 17 June 2025, the NFC Forum officially announced NFC Release 15, a major update to the NFC (HF RFID) standard that delivers a fourfold increase in operating range. (nfc-forum.org) This update allows devices that previously needed to be within 0.5 centimetres of each other to now communicate reliably up to around 2 centimetres apart.
What Has Changed in Release 15?
Extended operating volume
The most significant advancement in Release 15 is the increase in the operating volume, which refers to the range within which two NFC antennas can communicate effectively. Increasing this distance from around 0.5 centimetres to roughly 2 centimetres makes NFC interactions easier, faster, and more forgiving. This change is especially important for small devices such as smartwatches and wearables, or when precise alignment between devices is difficult.
Improved user experience and reliability
Users will now experience fewer failed taps and shorter connection times. The technology remains secure and intentional, meaning devices must still be brought purposefully close to one another to initiate communication. This preserves NFC’s advantage of ensuring user intent while making the interaction smoother.
New and expanded use cases
Release 15 enables a new wave of applications that were previously limited by short range. These include:
- Smartphone-based payment terminals, such as Tap to Pay.
- Digital keys for cars, homes, and secure facilities.
- Integration in smaller form factor devices like rings and wearables.
- Digital Product Passports (DPP) for sustainability and circular economy projects, where a single NFC tag carries the lifecycle and recycling data of a product.
Technical and Certification Details
As of June 2025, NFC Forum members including Principal, Associate, and Sponsor levels have access to the new specification. Broader access and certification testing for public adopters are expected to follow in Autumn 2025.
The update maintains backward compatibility with current ISO/IEC 14443 systems, meaning it can be introduced without disrupting existing devices and infrastructure.
Industry Impact and Implications
- Design flexibility: Manufacturers have more freedom in how they design and position NFC antennas in devices.
- Improved performance: The wider range reduces failed reads in real-world conditions, including when a phone case or thick material is involved.
- Competitive pressure: Devices not upgraded to Release 15 may soon appear less responsive compared to newer models.
- Adoption timeline: As with any new hardware standard, broad deployment will take time while chipmakers, reader manufacturers, and device integrators implement and certify the update.
- Legacy limitations: Most existing devices will not be able to upgrade through software alone. New hardware will be required to take advantage of the increased range.
NFC has long been appreciated for its simplicity, low power use, and secure tap-based interactions. However, its very short range has sometimes limited convenience. NFC Release 15 addresses this by improving reach and alignment tolerance without sacrificing intent or safety.
The announcement on 17 June 2025 marks a turning point for the NFC standard. The extended range and improved flexibility set the stage for new consumer experiences and broader adoption in industries such as payments, automotive, and smart packaging.