Apple limits NFC functionality to newer iPhone models. Older iPhone models do not have the technical ability to read NFC tags. 

This is in contrast to most flagship Android devices, which have had full NFC support since 2012. 

Furthermore, iOS runs only on Apple devices, while Android offers more flexibility for customers to choose their devices based on expected features and budget. 

Note: iOS 11 allows iPhones 7, 8 and X to read NFC tags. iPhones 6 and 6S can be used 

to make NFC payments, but not to read NFC tags.