Apple is upgrading how its staff handle transactions using the EasyPay mobile point-of-sale system in its US stores, according to Forbes.

The staff are switching from using the iPod touch to iPhone 5s – which are being equipped with a new hardware attachment (pictured) supplied by US vendor Verifone – so they can accept chip-and-PIN payments, as well as chip-and-signature cards.

In addition, said the report, is NFC capability in the new hardware so that it can exchange information with an NFC-enabled smartphone, although no mention is made of handling payments.