The technology that enables secure, contactless payments through smartphones is called Near Field Communication (NFC). NFC allows devices to communicate when they are within close proximity, typically a few centimeters. It’s widely used in mobile payment systems such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, allowing transactions without physical contact with the payment terminal. This technology enhances convenience and security, as it usually requires user authentication, such as a PIN or fingerprint. Additionally, NFC is employed in various applications beyond payments, including access control and data sharing.