NFC incorporates radio-frequency identification (RFID) signals to transmit limited amounts of data from one device to a receptor located a few inches away. Basically, NFC involves smart chips and waving, rather than magnetic strips and swiping. The technology that powers mobile wallets is called near-field communication, abbreviated as NFC. As some say, Apple Pay could finally make mobile payments happen. But Apple Pay’s distinctive features lead some commentators to label it a game-changer. In fact, Apple Pay is late to the table, entering a crowded, if somewhat unspectacular field, at least as far as user adoption is concerned.

Related article: Everything You Need to Know about Apple Pay

If mobile wallets already seem familiar, it may be because you’re one of the relatively few people using Google Wallet or Softcard (originally called Isis), both of which have been around for years.

On September 9, Apple made its big reveal for this year’s iGadgets: the iPhone6 and iPhone6 Plus, the $350 iWatch and something called Apple Pay, a mobile wallet system.

Apple pay vs google pay