Yes - modern iPhones can write NFC tags, although the capability depends on the iPhone model, iOS version, and the type of NFC operation involved.
What an iPhone Can Do with NFC
Since the release of the Apple Inc. iPhone 7 and later models, iPhones have progressively gained broader NFC functionality.
Today, an iPhone can typically:
Read NFC tags
Write data to NFC tags
Automate actions using NFC
Use NFC for payments
Interact with smart devices
Emulate certain digital credentials through Apple Wallet
What Can an iPhone Write to an NFC Tag?
Using iOS apps, an iPhone can encode NFC tags with:
Website URLs
Contact cards (vCard)
WiFi credentials
Plain text
Phone numbers
Email addresses
Automation commands
Smart home triggers
For example, tapping an NFC card could:
Open a website
Connect to WiFi
Launch an app
Share social media profiles
Trigger Apple Shortcuts automations
Common Apps for Writing NFC Tags
Popular iPhone NFC writing apps include:
NFC Tools
Smart NFC
NXP TagWriter
These apps allow users to program blank NFC tags directly from the phone.
Limitations of iPhone NFC Writing
However, iPhones also impose certain restrictions.
iPhone Can Write:
Standard NFC Forum tags
NTAG213 / 215 / 216
Many simple NDEF-compatible tags
iPhone Usually Cannot:
Clone secure access cards
Write encrypted enterprise credentials
Fully emulate unrestricted NFC cards
Access low-level NFC hardware functions like some Android devices can
Apple maintains tighter control over NFC security compared to Android ecosystems.
Which NFC Chips Work Best with iPhone?
For iPhone compatibility, the most commonly recommended chips from NXP Semiconductors are:
NTAG213
NTAG215
NTAG216
These are widely used for:
NFC business cards
Smart marketing tags
Product authentication
Interactive packaging
DIY NFC projects
NFC Writing Is Becoming Mainstream
What once required specialised RFID equipment can now be accomplished with a smartphone in seconds.
As NFC technology becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life, the iPhone has evolved from a passive NFC reader into a highly capable portable NFC programming tool - particularly for consumer and commercial applications.