Infineon Technologies has launched a new platform designed to bring secure contactless payments to smart wearables, as semiconductor suppliers seek to capitalise on growing demand for connected devices capable of operating independently of smartphones.
The German chipmaker said its new SECORA Connect X solution enables manufacturers of smart rings, fitness trackers, and sports watches to integrate payment functionality directly into their products. Combined with the company’s SECORA Wallet and tokenisation services, the platform allows device makers to offer branded payment services compatible with major card networks including Mastercard and Visa.
The move comes as wearable devices become an increasingly important segment of the broader IoT market. Infineon cited forecasts suggesting that up to 700 million wearable devices could be in use by 2030, contributing to a wider ecosystem of approximately four billion NFC-enabled devices.
Unlike many existing mobile payment systems that rely on smartphones or third-party digital wallets, Infineon’s platform allows payment credentials to be stored directly on a secure chip embedded within the wearable. The company said this approach enables users to make contactless payments without requiring a phone connection.
“Original equipment manufacturers can now launch their own branded payment services across a wide range of smart wearables,” said Tolgahan Yildiz, Head of the Trusted Mobile Connectivity and Transactions Product Line at Infineon.
At the centre of the offering is a secure element that stores payment credentials and supports tokenised transactions. Through direct integration with payment tokenisation services provided by Mastercard and Visa, the system replaces card account numbers with digital payment tokens, reducing exposure to fraud and data theft.
The platform also aims to simplify development and certification requirements for device manufacturers. Infineon said SECORA Connect X supports industry standards including Java Card and GlobalPlatform and includes pre-certified payment applets intended to accelerate product launches.
The company is positioning the technology as part of a broader strategy to support secure transactions across connected devices. Alongside the wearable-focused SECORA Connect X, Infineon highlighted SECORA Connect E, a related solution aimed at connected consumer electronics such as AR and VR headsets, laptops, tablets, gaming devices, and accessories.
The announcement reflects a wider industry trend towards embedding financial services capabilities directly into connected devices. As wearable makers look for new ways to differentiate products and generate recurring revenue streams, integrated payment functionality is increasingly being viewed as a core feature rather than a premium add-on.
