It's an option long-awaited by Apple users, and one whose realization keeps being postponed. This time, the American giant and Île-de-France Mobilités promise it's coming soon! The transport company told AFP that the Navigo pass should be dematerialized, and accessible directly from the iPhone by the end of May 2024. The process is " currently being finalized [...] and should be operational by the end of May ", says IDFM, according to information relayed by BFMTV.
The imminent arrival of the Olympic Games in Paris has certainly accelerated the development of this feature: foreign tourists should appreciate this system, which will make it easier for them to get around the capital.
Since January 2021, Navigo pass management has been simplified: no more queuing at stations every 1st of the month, now you can top up your Navigo pass directly from your iPhone. This change is just the first step towards the complete dematerialization of the pass: eventually, you'll be able to buy a ticket, top up and validate your pass directly from your smartphone or connected watch.
SinceOctober 2022, owners of Android devices - the majority in France - have had access to this option: they can use their phone as a Navigo pass. No longer do you need your card to pass through the metro gates or validate your bus journey, simply use your smartphone.
If iPhones are still not equipped with NFC, it's becauseApple hasn't made it easy to introduce this support. The American company has blocked access to NFC for several years; the manufacturer only gives the keys sparingly and subject to conditions. This block was partially lifted at the end of 2020, so that IDFM could start developing new iPhone functionalities, such as pass recharging.
Apple was hostile to NFC technologies because they enable payments other than what they have developed in-house, such as the contactless payment system, Apple Pay. However, it is thanks to NFC that Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi or Orange customers can top up their passes without having to go anywhere.
After lengthy negotiations, Apple and Île-de-France Mobilités have finally reached an agreement, enabling iPhone users to obtain the same options as Android users. This function for validating jour neys via the phone is already in use elsewhere in Europe, so tourists will also be able to benefit from this innovation.
Many people were hoping to get their Navigo pass on their iPhone in 2023. We'll have to wait a few more months, but according to information from the newspaper L'Informé, confirmed by BFMTV, IDF Mobilités is " confident " that the project will be completed quickly. The Navigo pass should also be able to be directly integrated into users' Wallet.
