iPhone 18 and Digital Business Cards: What to Expect in 2026

With iPhone 18 expected later this year, professionals are wondering how new features might change the way we share contact information. Will there be new ways to share digital business cards? Will your current setup still work?

Here's what we know and what to expect.

What We Know About iPhone 18

Apple hasn't officially announced iPhone 18 specs yet, but based on rumors and Apple's recent trajectory, we can expect:

• Improved NFC capabilities
• Better camera (relevant for QR code scanning)
• iOS 19 with potential contact-sharing updates
• Continued support for existing standards

Will Your Digital Business Card Still Work?

Yes, absolutely.

Digital business cards are built on web standards that Apple has supported for over a decade:

• QR codes – iPhone has supported QR scanning since iOS 11 (2017). This isn't going away.
• vCard files (.vcf) – The standard contact format since the 1990s. Universal support.
• Web links – Your digital card is a web page. Every iPhone ever made can open web pages.

Your vCard Garden digital business card will work perfectly on iPhone 18, just as it works on every smartphone today.

Potential New Features

Enhanced NameDrop

Apple introduced NameDrop in iOS 17, letting two iPhones share contact info by holding them close together. iPhone 18 and iOS 19 may expand this feature—but it only works between iPhones with the feature enabled.

For sharing with Android users, older iPhones, or anyone who doesn't have NameDrop set up, you'll still need a QR code or link. That's where digital business cards shine.

Improved NFC

Apple has gradually opened up NFC capabilities on iPhone. Future updates might allow more flexible NFC sharing. However, NFC still requires physical proximity and compatible devices on both ends.

QR codes work from any distance and don't require special hardware or settings.

Better QR Code Scanning

Each iPhone generation improves camera quality and processing speed. Expect faster, more reliable QR code scanning in any lighting condition.

Why Web-Based Cards Are Future-Proof

No matter what features Apple adds, web-based digital business cards will continue to work because they rely on standards, not proprietary features:

URLs work everywhere. A link to your digital card works on iPhone, Android, tablets, and computers—today and for the foreseeable future.

QR codes are universal. The QR code standard hasn't changed since 1994. Your QR code will scan on any device with a camera.

vCard is the standard. The .vcf format is supported by every contac