“The iPhone 5 has continued Apple's recent trend of iterative developments of the phone rather than introducing revolutionary new features. Most of the evolutionary new features such as faster speeds, better camera, bigger screen and new docking cable were widely anticipated and will be welcomed by customers. But it is the lack of a NFC chip to enable mobile payments that is perhaps the biggest surprise and disappointment.”
“Mobile payments have long been touted as the 'next big thing' but to date, has simply not happened in any significant way. It had been hoped that Apple would turn its famous ability to deliver new technology through great user experience to kick-start the widespread adoption of mobile payments by consumers. The interesting question is whether this omission will mean further delay in mobile payments taking off or if it presents an opportunity for its competitors to take a lead in this field."