The most notable improvement is a boost to the distance of contactless connections from 0.5cm to 2cm, extending the range by x4. The NFC Release 15 standard update means NFC chips shouldn’t need to be as precisely aligned with terminals to register a connection, which is especially beneficial for users who have to fumble with smaller devices like smart watches or rings. While some devices already register contactless connections at greater distances than 5mm, the NFC Forum behind the standard says the spec update is “redefining the baseline.” The NFC Release 15 is needed to support contactless applications that “demand higher reliability and a broader operating range,” according to the NFC Forum. The NFC Release 15 is currently available to high level NFC Forum member companies, including Apple, Google, Sony, and Huawei, allowing them to start implementing the improvements in their own products. The Verge has asked the NFC Forum if existing NFC devices can be updated to support the new release standard when it rolls out but didn’t hear back before publication.