What we’re expecting
Apple's 2015 patent included NFC and recent filings still reference it. Paying with a tap of your ring is one of the most-cited potential features, and Apple already controls the iPhone NFC stack, though it remains unconfirmed for any product.
Apple's patented a ring that lets you pay by tapping it near a payment terminal, the same way you'd tap your phone or watch, but from your finger. The ring pairs with a financial account directly, so the transaction completes without pulling out any other device.