Apple was issued a patent for a near field communications system allowing two devices to transfer data. The patent contemplates that tapping two devices together will transfer selected data—a concept similar to existing Samsung phones with the S Beam feature, as well as other NFC-capable devices. It’s unclear how the patent will impact non-Apple products already including the same functionality.

In Apple’s version, any NFC-enabled devices can be used, with one example detailing files transferred between an iPhone and a Mac. Both device-to-device functionality and peer-to-peer use are detailed within the patent. [via Apple Insider]