Apple has received a grant on a patent for Passbook, a mobile wallet app that allows iOS 6 device owners to shop for items similar to how near field communications (NFC) works.

Almost a year in the works after filing, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) finally published Apple’s patent to disclose that the Cupertino-based tech giant will use it for an “on-the-go shopping list” feature in the final version of its upcoming mobile operating system, iOS 6.

The app, as mentioned in the patent filing, will not harness the power of NFC technology to finish a transaction as NFC-enabled Android devices do. Rumors say that Apple will not compromise security to allow credit card payments thru iOS . Alternatively, NFC technology will be for shoppers to recognize a product and receive pricing details from various retailers in a particular area.

Reports say that Passbook will allow iOS 6 users to discover cheaper deals faster while shopping for items, while retail shops gain the ability to distribute relevant information to target consumers about their products and services.

Passbook could be Apple taking on eBay’s experimental app eBay Now, which offers same-day shipments on orders from local retailers, including Best Buy, Macy’s, Target and Toys R Us.

Apple has yet to announce a specific launch date for iOS 6, but will likely launch the operating system next month.

Source: USPTO

About Francis Rey Balolong

A coffee junkie who spends most of his time writing about the latest news on social media and mobile technology. I would definitely consider myself a nerd (in the coolest most hipster way possible). That being said, I love technology, music, writing, and all things mobile. Follow me: Google+ Twitter

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